Wet processing method for catheter balloons

Abstract

A process for blowing a balloon from a tubular parison of a thermoplastic polymer material by radially expanding the parison at an elevated temperature and pressure, the process characterized in that: a) the polymer material includes a “H-bonding” polymer which undergoes interchain hydrogen bonding between at least some segments thereof; b) the parison is conditioned in a high moisture environment prior to blowing, and c) the balloon is blown after moisture conditioning of the parison and without an intervening drying thereof. H-bonding polymers may be polyamides, polyurethanes or block copolymers containing a polyamide or polyurethane block. The process reduces occurrence of fish eye defects in the formed balloons.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.