US Patent 7972299 Balloon catheter with deflation mechanism

A balloon catheter including an inflatable balloon affixed to a catheter. The proximal end of the balloon is fixedly connected to the distal end of the catheter, and the distal end of the balloon is supported by stiffening member that extends distally from the distal end of the catheter and through the interior of the balloon. The distal end of the catheter comprises one or more apertures that are in fluid communication with an inflation lumen extending through the catheter. A deflation mechanism is disposed about the stiffening member and is configured to facilitate the flow of an inflation fluid through the interior volume of the balloon and towards the aperture.