Dilation catheters including a mechanism used in, for example, removing
gas or air from the catheters are disclosed. A dilation catheter may
include an elongated tubular member having a distal end and a proximal
end, a proximal handle proximate the proximal end of the tubular member,
and an inflatable balloon proximate the distal end of the tubular member
with inflatable balloon being in fluid communication with a fluid port to
supply inflation liquid to the inflatable balloon. The inflatable balloon
may include an opening for permitting gas to exit the inflatable balloon.
In the proximate location of the opening, an expandable material or a
barrier material that permits gas to exit through the opening, while
retaining inflation liquid in the inflatable balloon.