Catheter balloon with multiple micropleats
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A catheter balloon having a longitudinal axis comprising an inner lumen and at least one balloon material forming an outer circumference with at least one micropleat, the micropleat comprising a pocket of balloon material having an opening commencing at the lumen, a bottom and sides where each side folds upon itself to position the bottom of the pocket adjacent to the lumen.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Balloons are provided which are formed of at least one balloon material with micropleats distributed about the circumference of the balloon. The micropleats reduce the profile of the balloon and pull taut upon inflation to provide an essentially radial symmetry.
126 Citations
29 Claims
- 1. A catheter balloon having a longitudinal axis comprising an inner lumen and at least one balloon material forming an outer circumference with at least one micropleat, the micropleat comprising a pocket of balloon material having an opening commencing at the lumen, a bottom and sides where each side folds upon itself to position the bottom of the pocket adjacent to the lumen.
-
19. A method of micropleating a balloon comprising:
-
a. inflating the balloon to achieve an inflated outer diameter; b. applying a compressive radial force to the inflated outer diameter; c. deflating the balloon creating longitudinal folds in the balloon; d. applying heat and compressive force sufficient to set the folds; and e. removing the heat and pressure from over the balloon to create a micropleated balloon. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
-
-
28. A method of micropleating a balloon comprising:
-
a. heat setting the balloon; b. rolling a small diameter elastomeric tube over the heat set balloon; c. sealing the elastomeric tube on one end; d. inflating the elastomeric tube on the open end; e. achieving inflation of the tube to an internal diameter which is greater than the desired outer diameter of the inflated heat set balloon; f. inflating the heat set balloon; g. deflating the elastomeric tube; h. deflating the heat set balloon thus creating axial folds; i. applying heat and compressive force to set the axial folds; and j. removing the elastomeric tube from over the heat set micropleated balloon. - View Dependent Claims (29)
-
Specification