Balloon structure with PTFE component
View Patent ↗A medical balloon having a high burst strength and the ability to return to its preinflation diameter following repeated inflation may be prepared from a first inner layer of material, a second intermediate layer of expanded PTFE and a third outer layer of material.
1. A method of forming a balloon comprising at least three layers comprising the steps of:
i) providing first, second and third tubes, the second tube formed of a tube made of a material selected from the group consisting of fluoropolymers and high density polyethylene;
ii) inserting the first tube into the second tube;
iii) inserting the second tube into the third tube;
iv) inserting the first, second and third tubes into a balloon mold;
v) expanding the first, second and third tubes at a desired temperature so as to form a balloon.
2. A method of forming a balloon comprising at least three layers comprising the steps of:
i) providing first, second and third tubes, the second tube formed of expanded PTFL;
ii) inserting the first tube into the second tube;
iii) inserting the second tube into the third tube;
iv) laminating the first tube and the second tube together;
v) laminating the second tube and third tube together so as to form at least a three tube laminate.
3. The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of laminating the first and third tubes together at least in part.
4. The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of blowing the laminate at a predetermined temperature.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the first and second tubes and the second and third tubes delaminate upon blowing the balloon.