The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 25, 2003
Filed:
May. 31, 2000
Henri A. Gaudoin, Mountain View, CA (US);
David T. Jacobson, San Jose, CA (US);
Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc., Santa Clara, CA (US);
Abstract
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.