Balloon forming process
US6572813B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 3, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S264/904
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention is directed to apparatus and method for forming balloons with improved dimensional stability and balloons formed by the same. The method of the present invention provides for a very accurate control of the temperature profile of the balloon material during its making. The attributes of the balloon can be affected by how the balloon is treated during the blowing stage and after the initial blowing, i.e., heat-setting. Using the present method, the balloon will form more uniformly and evenly (e.g., wall thickness and outer diameter of the balloon). The present method significantly increases the dimensional stability of the balloon which provides a balloon that is more predictable, in use. The present heat-set process also provides the means for the working length to be located more accurately on dilation catheters and stent delivery systems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.