Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.

David T Jacobson

Robert D Ainsworth

Bruce H Wand

Henri A Gaudoin

An inflatable member suitable for angioplasty or other medical procedures comprising asymmetric conic shoulder portions that optimize the wrapped profile. The asymmetry distributes the inflatable member material of the shoulder portions over a larger area to reduce the inflatable member profile and improve flexibility. Optionally, the asymmetrical shoulder portions preformed creases to facilitate folding. In an alternate embodiment, each shoulder portion has at least three radially spaced preformed creases to optimize folding in the shoulder portion. The invention also comprises methods of forming such inflatable members, the methods generally comprising using molds having the requisite characteristics. Specifically, the mold may have ridges within the areas corresponding the shoulder portions to form the preformed creases when the inflatable member is blow molded.

Balloon shoulder designs

A composite tubular element for intravascular catheters, such as fixed-wire dilatation catheters and guiding and angiographic catheters, which is formed by braiding strands formed from an intimate mixture of polymeric matrix materials, such as fibers and powders, having a relatively low melting point and high strength reinforcing fibers having a relatively high melting point into a tubular element, heating the braided tubular element to melt the low melting point matrix materials and flow around the reinforcing fibers to form a matrix. A thermoplastic jacket or coating may then be extruded or otherwise applied to the exterior of the braided tubular element.

Growing community of inventors

San Jose, CA, United States of America

David T Jacobson