Robust multi-layer balloon
AssigneeAbbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
InventorsJeong S. Lee, Fortino Vasquez Flores
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multilayer balloon catheter is formed to have an inner layer and an outer layer, where the outer layer is adapted to resist shredding and premature rupture. The outer layer is formed of a material having a glass transition temperature that is lower than the transition or melting temperature of the inner layer. By forming the balloon on a mold at a temperature between the glass transition temperature of the outer layer and the glass transition or melting temperature of the inner layer, the outer layer will undergo a thermal relaxation that will alleviate some of the axial orientation of the polymer chains that develop during the formation of the multilayer balloon. This relaxation leads to a resistance to shredding when the balloon is expanded during operation.
Claims16
A balloon catheter, comprising:
- a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inflation lumen extending therein;
- and
- a balloon on the shaft which has an interior in fluid communication with the inflation lumen, the balloon having an outer layer and an inner layer, the outer layer comprising a material having a first transition temperature, and the inner layer comprising a material having a second transition temperature, the second transition temperature being higher than the first transition temperature;
- wherein the balloon is formed at a temperature between said first and second transition temperatures such that the outer layer has a first degree of axial orientation of polymer strands and the inner layer has a second degree of axial orientation of polymer strands, the second degree of axial orientation being greater than the first degree of axial orientation.
A balloon catheter, comprising:
- a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inflation lumen extending therein;
- and
- a balloon on the shaft which has an interior in fluid communication with the inflation lumen, the balloon having an outer layer and an inner layer, the outer layer comprising a material having a first glass transition temperature, and the inner layer comprising a material having a second glass transition temperature higher than the first glass transition temperature;
- wherein the balloon is blow molded at a temperature higher than first glass transition temperature and lower than the second glass transition temperature, such that the outer layer has a first degree of axial orientation of polymer strands and the inner layer has a second degree of axial orientation of polymer strands, the second degree of axial orientation being greater than the first degree of axial orientation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.