Balloon sheath
US5843027A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 1, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/1081
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed is a tuvular sheath which is adapted to fit coaxially over an inflatable balloon. The sheath functions to alter the expansion characteristics of the balloon. In one preferred embodiment, the sheath converts the inflation profile of a dilatation balloon from a compliant mode to a noncompliant mode. Advantageously, the balloon sheath may be used in stent placement procedures, to accurately size the stent within a body lumen, while providing protection against balloon rupture. In one embodiment, the balloon sheath comprises a two-layered tubular structure, with an outer elastic layer surrounding an inner inelastic layer. Also disclosed are methods of altering the expansion characteristics of a balloon using the balloon sheath.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.