Balloon for a dilation catheter and method for manufacturing a balloon
US6696121B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 27, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 24, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 27, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/1352
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for forming a balloon for a dilation catheter is provided herein. The method includes the steps of: (i) positioning a tube in a preconditioned mold; (ii) expanding the tube in a preconditioned mold to form a parison; (iii) positioning the parison in a balloon mold; and (iv) expanding the parison within the balloon mold to form the balloon. Thus, the tube is initially expanded into a parison in the preconditioned mold. Subsequently, the parison is expanded into a balloon in the balloon mold. Because of this unique manufacturing process, polyester block copolymers can be formed into balloons. Some of these polyester block copolymers could not be formed into a balloon using prior art blow molding processes. The resulting balloon exhibits superior characteristics, including relatively thin and consistent walls, soft texture, low uninflated crossing profile, expansion in a predictable fashion, and good tensile strength.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.