Catheter balloon having selected folding characteristics
First Claim
1. A balloon for a catheter, comprising:
- a. an inflatable membrane formed of a flexible material defining an inflation chamber which is adapted for inflation from a folded configuration to an expanded configuration and deflation back to a folded configuration, said balloon having a longitudinal axis extending between a proximal and a distal end;
b. a number of longitudinal ribs formed in said flexible material of said inflation chamber which extend longitudinally between said proximal and said distal end;
c. a number of perpendicular ribs formed in said flexible material of said inflation chamber which extend between said number of longitudinal ribs, said number of perpendicular ribs being generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, said number of perpendicular ribs having a higher resistance to collapse during deflation; and
d. a number of indentations formed in said flexible material of said inflation chamber, each indentation positioned between two adjacent ones of said number of longitudinal ribs and extending longitudinally at least a portion of the length between said proximal end and said distal end, said number of indentations enhancing said collapse of said inflation chamber from said expanded configuration to said folded configuration.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A balloon and method of manufacture for use in catheters for medical procedures, in particular percutaneous translumenal coronary angioplasty and other cardiovascular interventions. The balloon incorporates an inflatable membrane having a number of perpendicular ribs which have a higher resistance to collapse during deflation. A number of longitudinal ribs are provided which are preferably equidistantly spaced about a longitudinal axis and which extend between a proximal and distal end of the balloon. A number of triangular indentations are provided, wherein each triangular indentation is preferably equidistantly positioned between adjacent longitudinal ribs and each triangular indentation extends along a portion of the balloon between the proximal and distal ends. Each triangular indentation may extend through a perpendicular rib to reduce the resistance of the perpendicular rib to collapse during deflation. The number of triangular indentations enhance the collapse of the balloon from an expanded configuration to a folded configuration once the resistance of the number of perpendicular ribs to collapse has been overcome.
312 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A balloon for a catheter, comprising:
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a. an inflatable membrane formed of a flexible material defining an inflation chamber which is adapted for inflation from a folded configuration to an expanded configuration and deflation back to a folded configuration, said balloon having a longitudinal axis extending between a proximal and a distal end; b. a number of longitudinal ribs formed in said flexible material of said inflation chamber which extend longitudinally between said proximal and said distal end; c. a number of perpendicular ribs formed in said flexible material of said inflation chamber which extend between said number of longitudinal ribs, said number of perpendicular ribs being generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, said number of perpendicular ribs having a higher resistance to collapse during deflation; and d. a number of indentations formed in said flexible material of said inflation chamber, each indentation positioned between two adjacent ones of said number of longitudinal ribs and extending longitudinally at least a portion of the length between said proximal end and said distal end, said number of indentations enhancing said collapse of said inflation chamber from said expanded configuration to said folded configuration. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A balloon for a catheter, comprising:
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a. an inflatable membrane for attachment to a catheter shaft for introduction into a human body conduit, said inflatable membrane formed of a flexible material defining an inflation chamber which is adapted for inflation from a folded configuration to an expanded configuration and deflation back to a folded configuration, said balloon having a longitudinal axis extending between a proximal and a distal end; b. a number of ribs formed in said flexible material of said inflatable membrane, said number of ribs being equidistantly spaced and extending generally along said longitudinal axis; and c. a number of folds formed in said flexible material of said inflatable membrane, each fold positioned between two adjacent ones of said number of ribs each fold extending longitudinally at least a portion of the length between said proximal end and said distal end of said balloon, said fold being inwardly directed towards said longitudinal axis and having a crease which extends generally longitudinally at a radial angle to said longitudinal axis. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification