Patent · US Active

Multi-layer balloons for medical applications and methods for manufacturing the same

US7942847B2 · kind B2 · utility

53Cited by
48References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 15, 2006
Grant dateMay 17, 2011
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 22, 2027

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T428/1317
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A multi-layered balloon is provided where each layer is formed such that each layer is made from tubing that optimizes the inner wall stretch thus providing maximum balloon strength. The high pressure, multi-layer balloon is provided with layers that allow for slipping, such that the balloon has a very high pressure rating and toughness, yet excellent folding characteristics. Methods for producing such multi-layer balloons using existing balloon forming equipment are also provided. The multi-layer balloons can have alternating structural and lubricating layers, or layers with low-friction surfaces. The multi-layer balloons are preferably manufactured using a variety of methods including nesting, co-extrusion, or a combination of nesting and co-extrusion. The multi-layer balloons have balloon layers having substantially similar, or the same, high degree of biaxial orientation of their polymer molecules such that each balloon layer of the multi-layer balloon will fail at approximately the same applied pressure.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.