A flexible tube with a balloon at its tip, which, when inflated, keeps the tube in place or applies pressure to an organ or vessel. One type is used to drain urine from the bladder (see catheterization, urinary). Balloon catheters are sometimes used to expand narrowed arteries (balloon angioplasty). They may also be used to control bleeding oesophageal varices before surgery.
Balloon catheter |
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