Scoring balloon with offset scoring elements

1. A scoring balloon including a balloon portion having a balloon wall substantially even in wall thickness; a plurality of sets of scoring elements disposed on the balloon; each set of scoring elements including a plurality of scoring elements arranged longitudinally in series, wherein adjacent scoring elements in the series are longitudinally spaced from one another so as to provide gaps between said adjacent scoring elements; each set of scoring elements being radially spaced relative to the other sets of scoring elements around the balloon, wherein the scoring elements of one set are longitudinally offset relative to the scoring elements of an or each adjacent set of scoring elements and wherein the gaps between adjacent scoring elements are arranged such that they are substantially cylindrically aligned with the center of the scoring elements of an or each adjacent set.

2. A scoring balloon according to claim 1 , wherein the scoring elements are integral with the balloon.

3. A scoring balloon according to claim 1 , wherein the scoring elements are unitary with the balloon.

4. A scoring balloon according to claim 1 , wherein the scoring elements are formed of the same material or materials as the balloon.

5. A scoring balloon according to claim 1 , wherein each set of scoring elements is in the form of a rib provided with one or more notches therein, said notches defining said scoring elements; wherein each rib has a base.

6. A scoring balloon according to claim 5 , wherein said notches extend to the base of the rib.

7. A scoring balloon according to claim 5 , wherein said notches extend partially through the depth of the rib.

8. A scoring balloon according to claim 1 , wherein the scoring elements extend longitudinally along the balloon.

9. A scoring balloon according to claim 1 , wherein the scoring elements in a set are arranged substantially linearly.

10. A scoring balloon according to claim 1 , wherein the sets of scoring elements are substantially evenly spaced radially around the balloon.

11. A scoring balloon according to claim 1 , wherein the balloon includes a balloon body portion and first and second end portions, the scoring elements extending along the balloon body portion.

12. A scoring balloon according to claim 11 , wherein the balloon body portion is substantially cylindrical.

13. A scoring balloon according to claim 1 , wherein the scoring elements are substantially all of the same height.

14. A scoring balloon according to claim 1 , wherein the scoring elements have different heights.

15. An angioplasty treatment apparatus including a scoring balloon;

the scoring balloon including a balloon portion having a balloon wall substantially even in wall thickness; a plurality of sets of scoring elements disposed on the balloon; each set of scoring elements including a plurality of scoring elements arranged longitudinally in series, wherein adjacent scoring elements in the series are longitudinally spaced from one another so as to provide gaps between said adjacent scoring elements; each set of scoring elements being radially spaced relative to the other sets of scoring elements around the balloon, wherein the scoring elements of one set are longitudinally offset relative to the scoring elements of an or each adjacent set of scoring elements and wherein the gaps between adjacent scoring elements are arranged such that they are substantially cylindrically aligned with the center of the scoring members of an or each adjacent set.