Dilatation balloon having reduced rigidity

US7967836B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Abbott Laboratories · US

Inventors

• Boris Warnack · Neuhausen, CH
• Judith Hartwig · Dotternhausen, DE
• Silke Pschibl · Rangendingen, DE
• Travis R. Yribarren · San Mateo, US
• Randolf von Oepen · Los Altos, US
• Thomas Rieth · Hirrlingen, DE
• Lorcan Coffey · Tübingen, DE
• Arik Zucker · Bellinzona, CH

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 19, 2006
• Grant date: Jun 28, 2011
• Expiry date: Jan 30, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T156/1062
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A dilatation balloon is fabricated according to a process that forms cavities and indentations in the balloon and/or catheter sections. A length of tubing is axially elongated and radially expanded in a form to provide the requisite biaxial orientation and strength. Then, an excimer laser or another type of laser or mechanical material removal tool is used to remove the polymeric material, virtually without thermal effects. Cavities in the sleeve sections of the balloon are defined and if desired, indentations in the cone sections are defined. Material removal, particularly near the balloon sleeves enables a thinner, more flexible bonding area between the catheter shaft and the balloon. Further, the indentations along the cone sections enables tighter wrapping of the balloon for a reduced delivery profile. Rigidity near the sleeves is reduced for better maneuverability of the catheter in tortuous passageways.