METHOD OF REDUCING RIGIDITY OF ANGIOPLASTY BALLOON SECTIONS
First Claim
1. An expandable balloon configured to be bonded to a catheter shaft, comprising:
- a proximal cone section, a distal cone section, and a medial section disposed therebetween, the distal cone section having a maximum thickness; and
a proximal sleeve section disposed proximal the proximal cone section and a distal sleeve section disposed distal the distal cone section, the proximal and distal sleeve sections each having a wall with an inner surface, an outer surface and a thickness defined therebetween,wherein the distal sleeve section has a portion of polymeric material removed from the inner surface of the wall to define a reduced thickness less than the maximum thickness of the distal cone section.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A dilatation balloon is fabricated according to a process that forms cavities and indentations in the balloon and/or catheter sections. A length of tubing is axially elongated and radially expanded in a form to provide the requisite biaxial orientation and strength. Then, an excimer laser or another type of laser or mechanical material removal tool is used to remove the polymeric material, virtually without thermal effects. Cavities in the sleeve sections of the balloon are defined and if desired, indentations in the cone sections are defined. Material removal, particularly near the balloon sleeves enables a thinner, more flexible bonding area between the catheter shaft and the balloon. Further, the indentations along the cone sections enables tighter wrapping of the balloon for a reduced delivery profile. Rigidity near the sleeves is reduced for better maneuverability of the catheter in tortuous passageways.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. An expandable balloon configured to be bonded to a catheter shaft, comprising:
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a proximal cone section, a distal cone section, and a medial section disposed therebetween, the distal cone section having a maximum thickness; and a proximal sleeve section disposed proximal the proximal cone section and a distal sleeve section disposed distal the distal cone section, the proximal and distal sleeve sections each having a wall with an inner surface, an outer surface and a thickness defined therebetween, wherein the distal sleeve section has a portion of polymeric material removed from the inner surface of the wall to define a reduced thickness less than the maximum thickness of the distal cone section. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. An expandable balloon configured to be bonded to a catheter shaft, comprising:
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a proximal cone section, distal cone section, and a medial section disposed therebetween, the distal cone section having a first maximum thickness; and a proximal sleeve section disposed proximal the proximal cone section and a distal sleeve section disposed distal the distal cone section, the proximal and distal sleeve sections each having a wall with an inner surface, an outer surface and a thickness defined therebetween; wherein the distal sleeve section has a reduced thickness less than the maximum thickness of the distal cone section, wherein the reduced thickness is formed by removing a portion of polymeric material from the inner surface of the wall of the distal sleeve section. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A method for forming an expandable balloon configured to be bonded to a catheter shaft, comprising:
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providing a balloon formed from polymeric material, the balloon having a proximal cone section, distal cone section, and a medial section disposed therebetween, the distal cone section having a first maximum thickness; a proximal sleeve section disposed proximal the proximal cone section and a distal sleeve section disposed distal the distal cone section, the proximal and distal sleeve sections each having a wall with an inner surface, an outer surface and a thickness defined therebetween; and removing a portion of polymeric material from the inner surface of the wall of the distal sleeve section to define a reduced thickness less than the maximum thickness of the distal cone section. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification