A serration balloon can have a number of different components and can be made in a number of different manners. One or more longitudinally extending members with periodic raised wedges can be attached to a medical balloon. They can be attached with a fiber coating, a polymer coating, or other methods. A polymer matrix can be used to bond the longitudinally extending member to the surface of the balloon. The fiber coating can be, for example, a thread or mesh that secures the longitudinally extending member to the balloon. The medical balloon can be an angioplasty balloon, such as an off-the-shelf angioplasty balloon.

A balloon wrapping apparatus and a balloon wrapping method are disclosed by which a balloon can be wrapped appropriately. The balloon wrapping apparatus for wrapping a balloon of a balloon catheter provided with the balloon at a distal portion of an elongated shaft includes: a pleating section that forms the balloon with wing shapes projecting in radial directions; a folding section that includes a plurality of blades aligned in a circumferential direction, and that folds the wing shapes formed in the balloon along the circumferential direction by moving rotationally the blades; and a rotational support portion that supports a portion of the shaft which portion is on a proximal side of the balloon, and that rotates the shaft in a direction opposite to a rotary movement direction of the blades in a state in which the balloon is positioned in relation to the folding section.

A balloon catheter includes a shaft and a balloon having one or more fold lines. The balloon is disposed outside the shaft, and the balloon includes one or more first regions and one or more second regions. The first region retains medicine on an outer surface of the balloon. The second region retains less medicine than the first region or retains no medicine.

A balloon wrapping apparatus is disclosed by which a balloon can be accurately positioned and inserted in relation to a pleating section. The balloon wrapping apparatus for wrapping a balloon provided at a distal portion of an elongated shaft includes: a pleating section that forms the balloon with wing shapes; a folding section that folds the wing shapes formed in the balloon along a circumferential direction; a support base that supports a portion other than the distal portion of the shaft, and that makes the distal portion of the shaft insertable into the pleating section and the folding section; and a core metal member to be inserted in the shaft. The core metal member is inserted in the shaft from a distal end position of the balloon to at least the proximal side of a proximal end position of the balloon.

The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a balloon catheter using a thermosetting resin. The present invention aims to provide an economical method of being capable of very promptly manufacturing a balloon catheter using a thermosetting resin through a continuous process, in which a drying process and a curing process are combined, after release agent application using the curing characteristics of a thermosetting resin.

Fluid delivery systems comprising catheters used to deliver a fluid into a medical device to which the catheter is attached. Methods and devices for eliminating the effects angular strain on the catheters that lead to kinking and pinching of the catheter.

A balloon catheter assembly comprises a balloon having attached to or in its wall one or more filar elements, extending from one end of the balloon to the other. The filar elements are made of a material which is at least as flexible as the material forming the walls of the balloon. In the event of circular burst of the balloon, the filar element(s) prevent disconnection of the material of the balloon into two or more separate pieces. The filar element(s) become attached to or in the material of the balloon wall when the raw material is inflated to the shape of a mold. The filar elements may comprise a natural fiber, a synthetic fiber or a metal wire.

A serration balloon can have a number of different components and can be made in a number of different manners. One or more longitudinally extending members with periodic raised wedges can be attached to a medical balloon. They can be attached with a fiber coating, a polymer coating, or other methods. A polymer matrix can be used to bond the longitudinally extending member to the surface of the balloon. The fiber coating can be, for example, a thread or mesh that secures the longitudinally extending member to the balloon. The medical balloon can be an angioplasty balloon, such as an off-the-shelf angioplasty balloon.

A nested balloon is provided where each balloon is formed from tubing that optimizes the inner wall stretch thus providing maximum balloon strength. The high pressure, nested balloon is provided with layers that allow for slipping, such that the balloon has a very high pressure rating and toughness, yet excellent folding characteristics. Methods for producing such nested balloons using existing balloon forming equipment are also provided. The nested balloons can have layers with low-friction surfaces. The nested balloons are preferably manufactured using a variety of methods, including pressurized constrained annealing.

A balloon catheter includes a shaft, and a balloon provided outside the shaft. A drug is provided on an outer surface of the balloon, and the balloon has at least a straight tube part. A change ratio of an outer diameter of the straight tube part, (D28−D24)/D24, is 1.1% or less. D24 is the outer diameter of the straight tube part when an internal pressure of 2.43 MPa (24 atm) is applied, and D28 is the outer diameter of the straight tube part when an internal pressure of 2.84 MPa (28 atm) is applied.