Preform and balloon having a non-uniform thickness

A method for forming a balloon suitable for treating a vascular condition, the method comprising:

• providing a balloon preform comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, at least one relatively thin section having a first thickness formed between a portion of the inner surface and the outer surface, and at least one relatively thick section having a second thickness formed between a portion of the inner surface and the outer surface, wherein the second thickness is greater than the first thickness;
• and
• forming the balloon preform into a balloon using a balloon mold comprising a substantially cylindrical interior surface,
• whereby the balloon, after formation, comprises an inner surface, an outer surface, at least one relatively thin section having a first thickness formed between a portion of the inner surface and the outer surface of the balloon, and at least one relatively thick section having a second thickness formed between a portion of the inner surface and the outer surface of the balloon, wherein the second thickness is greater than the first thickness.

Apparatus suitable for forming a balloon for treating a vascular condition, the apparatus comprising:

• a balloon preform having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface is substantially cylindrical;
• at least one relatively thin section having a first thickness formed between a portion of the inner surface and the outer surface;
• and
• at least one relatively thick section having a second thickness formed between a portion of the inner surface and the outer surface, wherein the second thickness is greater than the first thickness.