Multi-lobed balloon catheter

• US 5,718,684 A
• Filed: 05/24/1996
• Issued: 02/17/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 05/24/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Mukesh Gupta
• Original Assignee: Mukesh Gupta
• Inventors: Gupta, Mukesh
• Primary Examiner(s): Yasko, John D.
• Application Number:
  US08/653,331
• Time in Patent Office: 634 Days
• Field of Search: 604/96, 604/97, 604/100, 604/101, 604/280, 604/282, 606/191-194
• US Class Current: 604/103.07
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/1031 Surface processing of balloon members, e.g. coating or deposition; Mounting additional parts onto the balloon member's surface
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/1075 having a balloon composed of several layers, e.g. by coating or embedding
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/1084 having features for increasing the shape stability, the reproducibility or for limiting expansion, e.g. containments, wrapped around fibres, yarns or strands
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/1002 characterised by balloon shape A61M25/1006, A61M25/1009 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/1038 Wrapping or folding devices for use with balloon catheters

Abstract

A dilation catheter for treating stenotic regions within a body lumen includes a multi-lobed balloon, the lobes of which extend longitudinally of a catheter robe. The lobes of the balloon of this catheter, when inflated inside the coronary artery stenosis prevent slippage of the balloon into the soft region of the stenosis and cause cracks in the hard region of the stenosis as well. The lobes of the balloon exert interrupted radial compression inside the stenosis. The interrupted radial compression increases the number of cracks in the stenosis.

Claims

1. A balloon dilation catheter for treatment of stenosis inside a hollow body lumen, comprising a catheter tube, an inflatable balloon mounted on and at least partially around said catheter tube, said balloon having a multiplicity of lobes extending longitudinally of said tube and, when inflated, spaced radially from said tube through at least a portion of their length, said lobes being defined by intermediate strips of material less compliant than the areas of the balloon between said intermediate strips, and said lobes between said intermediate strips becoming larger relative to said intermediate strips when said balloon is further inflated.

2. The balloon dilation catheter of claim 1 wherein the intermediate strips are superposed on a balloon of uniform wall thickness and material.

3. The balloon dilation catheter of claim 2 wherein the balloon and the intermediate strips are secured to the catheter tube at distal and proximal ends of the balloon.

4. The balloon dilation catheter of claim 2 wherein the intermediate strips are secured to the balloon only at the distal and proximal ends thereof.