Patent attributes
Various embodiments of a balloon catheter and related methods are disclosed. In particular, one exemplary embodiment of a balloon catheter may include a balloon having an inlet opening for receiving inflation fluid and a one-way valve disposed in the inlet opening to allow inflow of the inflation fluid into the balloon while substantially preventing backflow of the inflation fluid from the balloon. The catheter may also include an elongated shaft comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The shaft may be configured to supply the inflation fluid to the balloon through the lumen and to releasably couple the balloon to the distal end of the shaft.