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:
Dec. 28, 2010
Filed:
Oct. 29, 2007
David G. Burton, Bloomington, IN (US);
David A. Drewes, Jr., Bloomington, IN (US);
Eric R. Hennessy, Bloomington, IN (US);
Darin G. Schaeffer, Bloomington, IN (US);
David G. Burton, Bloomington, IN (US);
David A. Drewes, Jr., Bloomington, IN (US);
Eric R. Hennessy, Bloomington, IN (US);
Darin G. Schaeffer, Bloomington, IN (US);
Cook Incorporated, Bloomington, IN (US);
Sabin Corporation, Bloomington, IN (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for facilitating folding of a balloon before, during or after a medical procedure. In a first embodiment, the apparatus generally comprises at least one catheter shaft member, a balloon disposed on a distal region of the catheter shaft member, and at least one folding member disposed along at least a proximal region of the balloon. The folding member may comprise at least one radially-outward projecting member integrally formed with or attached to the balloon, or an internally-formed groove in the balloon, which is adapted to promote twisting of the balloon to reduce the profile of the balloon in the deflated state. Optionally, biasing members may be disposed between the folding member and an adjacent portion of the balloon to promote folding of the balloon in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.