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Method for forming an inflatable balloon for use in a catheter

  • US 5,087,394 A
  • Filed: 11/09/1989
  • Issued: 02/11/1992
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/09/1989
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of forming a stretched tubing element used for forming a balloon portion of a balloon dilatation catheter from a tubing element having a first outer diameter wherein the tubing element has a first end segment, an intermediate segment, and a second end segment, the method including the steps of:

  • positioning a first internal support mandrel having a first diameter within the second end and intermediate segments of the tubing element;

    attaching a body clamp about the first support mandrel and intermediate segment of the tubing adjacent a distal end of the first support mandrel;

    attaching an end clamp to the first end segment adjacent an outer end thereof;

    heating the first end segment;

    urging the body clamp and end clamp longitudinally apart thereby stretching the first end segment longitudinally to lengthen said first end segment and reduce the outer diameter thereof to a second, smaller outer diameter;

    cooling the first stretched end segment;

    positioning a second internal support mandrel, having a second diameter which is smaller than the first support mandrel, within the stretched first end and intermediate segments of the tubing element;

    attaching the body clamp about the second support mandrel and intermediate segment of the tubing element adjacent a distal end of the second support mandrel;

    attaching the end clamp to the second end segment adjacent an outer end thereof;

    heating the second end segment;

    urging the body clamp and end clamp longitudinally apart thereby stretching the second end segment longitudinally to lengthen said second end segment and reduce the outer diameter thereof to a third outer diameter smaller than the second outer diameter; and

    cooling the second stretched end segment to form the stretched tubing element,wherein a major extent of the intermediate segment has not been stretched.

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