Reduced profile medical balloon element
CAFCFirst Claim
1. An axially restrained-shrunk catheter balloon comprising an axially stretched polymer wherein the catheter balloon is continuous and radially re-expandable.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Reexamination
Accused Products
Abstract
Medical dilatation balloons comprise a polymer that has the attribute of memory, and/or is crosslinked to impart memory. Such balloons exhibit a reduced tendency to overinflate at high inflation pressures. Furthermore, such balloons when shrunk radially by the application of heat while restraining axial shrinkage, exhibit customizable linear or non-linear compliance curves and lower crosslinking profile relative to the same balloon when unshrunk. Also disclosed is an expansive element within a tube whose outer diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the tube from which it was made. In addition, disclosed are (a) processes for preparing crosslinkable polymers, (b) joining crosslinked balloons to catheter systems, (c) forming shrunk balloon elements, and (d) forming an expansive element within a tube whose outer diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the tube from which it was made.
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Citations
25 Claims
- 1. An axially restrained-shrunk catheter balloon comprising an axially stretched polymer wherein the catheter balloon is continuous and radially re-expandable.
- 19. An axially restrained-shrunk catheter balloon comprising an axially stretched polymer wherein the catheter balloon is radially re-expandable and wherein the balloon comprises a crosslinked polymer.
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22. A shrunk continuous catheter balloon produced by a process comprising:
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providing a polymer material formed into a tube; axially stretching the tube; forming a continuous balloon from the polymer material, and heating the balloon while restraining axial contraction in a controlled manner and thereby radially shrinking the axially stretched balloon. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25)
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Specification