a balloon sleeve is provided for a balloon catheter , and the balloon catheter itself with the balloon sleeve provided wherein a substantially smaller front end cross - section is presented for insertion into a patient . the balloon sleeve has a thermoplastic film positioned adjacent each end thereof . however , one is on the internal surface and one on the outer surface enabling mounting the sleeve in a reverse lap fashion wherein the entire balloon body is so reverse lapped when mounted . the mounting eliminates separate objects for securing the balloon sleeve . nevertheless , the manner of mounting causes the inflated balloon to flow over and protect a patient from the catheter end .