Method of reducing rigidity of angioplasty balloon sections
First Claim
1. A method for forming an expandable balloon, comprising:
- providing a balloon formed from polymeric material, the balloon havinga proximal cone section, distal cone section, a medial section disposed therebetween;
a proximal sleeve section disposed proximal the proximal cone section and a distal sleeve section disposed distal the distal cone section, the proximal and distal sleeve sections each having a wall with an inner surface, an outer surface and a thickness defined therebetween; and
removing a portion of polymeric material from the inner surface of the wall of at least one of the proximal sleeve section or the distal sleeve section to a depth less than the thickness of the wall without penetrating the outer surface of the wall.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A dilatation balloon is fabricated according to a process that forms cavities and indentations in the balloon and/or catheter sections. A length of tubing is axially elongated and radially expanded in a form to provide the requisite biaxial orientation and strength. Then, an excimer laser or another type of laser or mechanical material removal tool is used to remove the polymeric material, virtually without thermal effects. Cavities in the sleeve sections of the balloon are defined and if desired, indentations in the cone sections are defined. Material removal, particularly near the balloon sleeves enables a thinner, more flexible bonding area between the catheter shaft and the balloon. Further, the indentations along the cone sections enables tighter wrapping of the balloon for a reduced delivery profile. Rigidity near the sleeves is reduced for better maneuverability of the catheter in tortuous passageways.
106 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for forming an expandable balloon, comprising:
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providing a balloon formed from polymeric material, the balloon having a proximal cone section, distal cone section, a medial section disposed therebetween; a proximal sleeve section disposed proximal the proximal cone section and a distal sleeve section disposed distal the distal cone section, the proximal and distal sleeve sections each having a wall with an inner surface, an outer surface and a thickness defined therebetween; and removing a portion of polymeric material from the inner surface of the wall of at least one of the proximal sleeve section or the distal sleeve section to a depth less than the thickness of the wall without penetrating the outer surface of the wall. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification