Methods for configuring expandable devices
OwnerJeffrey Grayzel, Joseph Grayzelinventors
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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.
Claims17
1-48. (canceled)
A stiffened balloon apparatus for use within an anatomic passage comprising:
- an expandable balloon comprised of a flexible material having one or more longitudinal stiffening members attached to said balloon, said stiffening members being comprised of a material less flexible than that of said balloon material and disposed at a perimeter thereof, wherein at least a portion of one of said stiffening members is radio-opaque to facilitate determination of the position of the balloon.
A system for determining the position and/or orientation of a stiffened balloon apparatus located in an anatomic passage, the system comprising:
- an expandable balloon comprised of a flexible material having one or more longitudinal stiffening members attached to said balloon, said stiffening members being comprised of a material less flexible than that of said balloon material and disposed at a perimeter thereof, wherein at least a portion of one of said stiffening members is radio-opaque to facilitate determination of the position of the balloon;
- and;
- means for x-ray or other radiation imaging of said balloon to precisely locate the position and/or orientation of said radio-opaque portion of said stiffening member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.