Medical balloon with enhanced focused force control
A balloon includes a plurality of radial projections formed in a working surface for use in providing a focused force during the angioplasty procedure. The plurality of radial projections may be formed in a wall of the balloon and spaced apart in a longitudinal direction. The projections for use in connection with such a balloon may comprise wires or wire segments, and may also comprise radiopaque materials to facilitate viewing under fluoroscopy during the procedure. Related methods of manufacturing are also disclosed.
1. An apparatus for performing an angioplasty procedure, comprising:
a balloon having an outer surface including a raised working surface formed by a plurality of radial projections positioned between first and second layers of a wall of the balloon, the plurality of radial projections for providing a focused force during the angioplasty procedure, the plurality of radial projections being spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction; wherein the plurality of radial projections are extending along the balloon, aligned and generally parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of radial projections comprises a wire.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the wire has a circular cross-section.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the radial projections comprises segments spaced apart in the longitudinal direction.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of radial projections comprises a radiopaque material.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of radial projections are symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the balloon.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of radial projections are symmetrical about a transverse axis of the balloon.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of radial projections comprise at least three radial projections.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including a catheter shaft connected to the balloon.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of radial projections is adapted to expand in the longitudinal direction when the balloon is inflated.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the balloon comprises a central section including the working surface and tapered ends, the plurality of radial projections being associated with the central section of the balloon.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first layer is attached to the second layer by an adhesive.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first layer comprises a base balloon and the second layer comprises a film.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including at least one second radial projection spaced circumferentially from at least one of the plurality of radial projections and having a length that is different from a length of at least one of the plurality of radial projections.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the radial projections comprises an elastic material.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the radial projections comprises a shape memory material.
17. An apparatus for performing an angioplasty procedure, comprising:
a balloon having an outer surface including a raised working surface formed by a first radial projection and a second radial projection formed in a wall of the balloon for providing a focused force during the angioplasty procedure, the first and second radial projections being spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction, the first radial projection being at least partially radiopaque; wherein the first and second projections are extending along the balloon, aligned and generally parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the first radial projection comprises a first wire.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the first wire comprises a radiopaque material.
20. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the second radial projection comprises a radiopaque material.
21. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the second radial projection comprises a wire.
22. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the first and second radial projections are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction.
23. The apparatus of claim 22 , further including a third radial projection formed in the wall of the balloon.
24. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the first and second radial projections are symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the balloon.
25. The apparatus of claim 17 , further including a catheter shaft for attachment to the balloon.
26. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein at least one of the radial projections comprises an elastic material.
27. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein at least one of the radial projections comprises a shape memory material.