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Balloon folding control mechanism

  • US 7,976,496 B2
  • Filed: 07/07/2008
  • Issued: 07/12/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/09/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A balloon catheter comprising:

  • an inflatable balloon comprising a balloon wall defining an interior volume, the balloon further comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a central portion disposed therebetween;

    a catheter comprising an elongated shaft extending along a longitudinal axis between a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the proximal end portion comprising a connector configured to engage an inflation device, the distal end portion fixedly connected to the proximal end of the balloon, and a lumen extending through the shaft and in fluid communication with the interior volume of the balloon;

    an end cap fixedly connected to the distal end of the balloon;

    a stiffening member extending distally from the distal end portion of the catheter and through the interior volume of the balloon, the stiffening member being engaged with the end cap; and

    a balloon folding control mechanism configured to promote refolding of the balloon into a predetermined folding configuration upon deflation of the balloon,wherein the balloon folding control mechanism is configured to apply a distally directed biasing force to the distal end of the balloon relative to the proximal end of the balloon,wherein the balloon folding control mechanism comprises a compression spring that is operably engaged with the distal end of the balloon at least when the balloon is in a deflated state, andwherein the compression spring is disposed about the stiffening member and is operably engaged between the distal end of the balloon and a stop collar affixed to the stiffening member so as to apply a biasing force therebetween.

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