Method of shaping a balloon of a balloon catheter
First Claim
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1. A method of shaping a balloon of a balloon catheter when the balloon is in a deflated state and includes a member extending longitudinally through the balloon, the method comprising:
- inflating at least a portion of the balloon;
applying external pressure to the balloon in a generally radially inward direction;
deflating the balloon to form at least three folded wings;
applying a cover over the balloon which causes the wings to wrap around the member, the cover including a plurality of tubes, each having a length which is less than a length of the balloon; and
subjecting the balloon to a heat treatment at an elevated temperature with the tubes of the cover in place.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The balloon of an angioplasty balloon catheter is prepared for insertion through a patient'"'"'s cardiovascular system by a series of steps to create three or more folded wings or flaps. The wings are wrapped circumferentially to provide a minimized outer diameter when the balloon is in its deflated state.
286 Citations
34 Claims
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1. A method of shaping a balloon of a balloon catheter when the balloon is in a deflated state and includes a member extending longitudinally through the balloon, the method comprising:
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inflating at least a portion of the balloon; applying external pressure to the balloon in a generally radially inward direction; deflating the balloon to form at least three folded wings; applying a cover over the balloon which causes the wings to wrap around the member, the cover including a plurality of tubes, each having a length which is less than a length of the balloon; and subjecting the balloon to a heat treatment at an elevated temperature with the tubes of the cover in place. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of shaping a balloon of a balloon catheter when the balloon is in a deflated state, the method comprising:
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inflating at least a portion of the balloon; applying external pressure to the balloon in a generally radially inward direction; deflating the balloon to form at least three folded wings; clamping a first portion of the balloon to form a first folded wing prior to inflating at least a second portion of the balloon; and wherein applying external pressure and deflating forms second and third folded wings. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of shaping a balloon of a balloon catheter which has a core member extending longitudinally through the balloon, the method comprising:
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clamping a part of the balloon to form a first wing portion; inflating the balloon; pinching the balloon while deflating the balloon to form at least two additional wing portions; and wrapping the wing portions around the core member. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method of shaping a balloon of a balloon catheter which has a core member extending longitudinally through the balloon, the method comprising:
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forming at least three folded wings in the balloon in a deflated condition; and applying a cover over the balloon which causes the wings to wrap around the member, the cover including a plurality of tubes, each having a length which is less than a length of the balloon. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A method of shaping a balloon of a balloon catheter which has a core member extending longitudinally through the balloon, the method comprising:
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inflating the balloon; deflating the balloon while applying external force to the balloon at a plurality of circumferentially spaced positions to form at least three folded wings in the balloon; and wrapping the folded wings around the core member. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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Specification