Pre-formed expandable member having grooves
US6478807B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 4, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/1086
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A catheter assembly is provided for use in delivering and implanting a stent in a body lumen, such as in a coronary artery. An elongated catheter body includes an expandable member or balloon having a folded configuration and an expanded configuration wherein a plurality of pre-formed grooves extending generally circumferentially around the balloon when the balloon is in its folded configuration. An intravascular stent is removably crimped over the balloon and is at least partially retained on the balloon by the grooves. Upon inflation of the balloon, the grooves will flatten out thereby releasing the stent and allowing the stent to expand radially outwardly into contact with the body lumen or coronary artery.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.