the present invention relates to angioplasty catheters and more particularly , to a proximal balloon bond on an extended shaft comprising an irradiated biocompatable thermoplastic jacket having a necked down distal end with the proximal end of a balloon heat bonded to the distal end of the jacket . in an alternative embodiment the catheter has an irradiated biocompatable thermoplastic jacket having a necked down distal end with the proximal end of a balloon heat bonded to the distal end of the jacket and a core wire extending throughout the jacket and throughout the balloon . in yet another alternative embodiment , the catheter has an irradiated biocompatable thermoplastic jacket having a necked down distal end with the proximal end of a balloon heat bonded to the distal end of the jacket as well as a sleeve defining a guidewire lumen , the sleeve extending longitudinally and exterior to the jacket and balloon . in yet another alternative embodiment , the catheter has an irradiated biocompatable thermoplastic jacket having a necked down distal end with the proximal end of a balloon heat bonded to the distal end of the jacket and a spring coil extending longitudinally within the jacket . in yet another alternative embodiment , the catheter has a biocompatable thermoplastic jacket having a necked down distal end with the proximal end of a balloon heat bonded to the distal end of the jacket and a spring coil extending longitudinally within the jacket .