Methods of manufacturing nested balloons utilizing pressurized constrained annealing
AssigneeConfluent Medical Technologies, Inc.
InventorsEric Mabry, Matthew F. Tonge, Don Ngo-Chu, Kevin Justin Herrera
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Abstract
A nested balloon is provided where each balloon is formed from tubing that optimizes the inner wall stretch thus providing maximum balloon strength. The high pressure, nested 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 nested balloons using existing balloon forming equipment are also provided. The nested balloons can have layers with low-friction surfaces. The nested balloons are preferably manufactured using a variety of methods, including pressurized constrained annealing.
Claims18
A nested balloon formed by the method comprising:
- providing a first balloon layer;
- providing a second balloon layer;
- inserting the first balloon layer into the second balloon layer to form a nested balloon;
- constrained pressurized annealing the first balloon layer and the second balloon layer at a temperature of between about 200° F. and about 300° F. for a time period of between about 10 minutes and about 90 minutes;
- wherein constrained pressurized annealing comprises pressurizing the nested balloon at a pressure of between about 2 atm and about 30 atm,
- wherein a lot of nested balloons after constrained pressurized annealing comprises a higher minimum burst strength as a result of a lower percentage standard deviation compared with a lot of nested balloons not employing constrained pressurized annealing, and
- wherein the first balloon layer is configured to slide relative to the second ballon layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.