Stiffened balloon apparatus with increased flexibility
US8523887B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 11, 2010 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 14, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/109
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention pertains to a stiffened balloon which can be used in angioplasty, endovascular, and valvuloplasty procedures or as a delivery balloon to deliver a stent or a stent-graft. Longitudinally discontinuous stiffening members connected to the expandable balloon stiffen the balloon but allow it to be navigated through curved passages. Projections on the stiffening members may engage, incise, crush, fracture, or pierce occlusions or retain a stent or stent-graft. Radio-opaque portions may be referenced to determine orientation. Longitudinally continuous stiffening members bearing projections and connected to the balloon perform in a similar manner.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.