Device and methods for delivery and transfer of temporary radiopaque element

Abstract

A device for the transfer of radiopaque material within the body comprises a valvuloplasty or other balloon coated with the radiopaque material. The balloon is inflated in the aortic valve for marking the site of an aortic annulus to enable accurate placement of prosthetic valves under fluoroscopic imaging.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A catheter for marking a luminal site, said catheter comprising:
 a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end;   an expandable member on a distal portion of the catheter body; and   a radiopaque material releasably carried on an external surface of the expandable member, wherein the material is coupled to the expandable member such that at least a portion of the material will transfer to an implantation site of a luminal surface when the member is expanded therein, such that the radiopaque material temporarily delineates the implantation site, thereby assisting implantation of a prosthetic valve at the implantation site.   
     
     
         3 . A catheter as in  claim 2 , wherein the expandable member is a balloon. 
     
     
         4 . A catheter as in  claim 3 , wherein the balloon is adapted to perform valvuloplasty in a human aorta. 
     
     
         5 . A catheter as in  claim 4 , wherein the balloon is non-distensible and has an inflated diameter in the range from 10 mm to 60 mm, a length in the range from 15 mm to 80 mm, and is inflatable to a pressure in the range from 0.1 atmosphere to 20 atmospheres. 
     
     
         6 . A catheter as in  claim 2 , wherein the radiopaque material is coated over at least a portion of the surface of the expandable member. 
     
     
         7 . A catheter as in  claim 2 , wherein the radiopaque material is disposed in a porous structure of the expandable member. 
     
     
         8 . A catheter as in  claim 2 , wherein the radiopaque material is disposed in wells formed on the external surface of the expandable member. 
     
     
         9 . A catheter as in  claim 2 , wherein the radiopaque material is present on the external surface as a plurality of microdots. 
     
     
         10 . A catheter as in  claim 2 , wherein the radiopaque material is present on the external surface under a membrane.