The invention includes a catheter having an elongate main body having a
proximal section and a distal section. The elongate main body further
includes a plurality of stiffening members disposed along the length of
the elongate main body. The plurality of stiffening members includes a
first stiffening member and a second stiffening member. The catheter can
also include a balloon formed from a tubular member having a recess
defined in a portion of its surface. A tapered or thinned balloon is
formed from a process by which material is removed from a tubular member
prior to formation of the balloon.