초록 ▼

A method of forming intra-aortic balloons includes forming a balloon blank having a sleeve section at its proximal end. To reduce the diameter of the sleeve section of the balloon, the sleeve section is stretched longitudinally by gripping a first portion of the balloon blank at the distal end of th

A method of forming intra-aortic balloons includes forming a balloon blank having a sleeve section at its proximal end. To reduce the diameter of the sleeve section of the balloon, the sleeve section is stretched longitudinally by gripping a first portion of the balloon blank at the distal end of the sleeve section, gripping a second portion of the balloon blank at the opposite end of the sleeve section and moving at least one of the gripped portions away from the other so as to reduce the diameter of the sleeve section. A heating element is positioned within the sleeve section to relieve the stress in the sleeve after stretching, by heating the sleeve section. The sleeve section is then cooled in order to preserve the sleeve section in its reduced diameter state thereby forming an intra-aortic balloon having a balloon blank with a reduced diameter sleeve section.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of forming intra-aortic balloons for assembly in vascular catheter systems comprising the steps of forming a balloon blank having a sleeve section at one end, stretching such sleeve section longitudinally to reduce the diameter thereof, heating said stretched sle

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of forming intra-aortic balloons for assembly in vascular catheter systems comprising the steps of forming a balloon blank having a sleeve section at one end, stretching such sleeve section longitudinally to reduce the diameter thereof, heating said stretched sleeve section to relieve the stress in said sleeve section while so stretched, and cooling said sleeve section, thereby to preserve said sleeve section in its reduced diameter state wherein said balloon blank including said reduced diameter sleeve section forms said intra-aortic balloon.