Patent ID: 7976496
Filing Date: 2011-07-12
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A balloon catheter comprising: an inflatable balloon comprising a balloon wall defining an interior volume, the balloon further comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a central portion disposed therebetween; a catheter comprising an elongated shaft extending along a longitudinal axis between a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the proximal end portion comprising a connector configured to engage an inflation device, the distal end portion fixedly connected to the proximal end of the balloon, and a lumen extending through the shaft and in fluid communication with the interior volume of the balloon; an end cap fixedly connected to the distal end of the balloon; a stiffening member extending distally from the distal end portion of the catheter and through the interior volume of the balloon, the stiffening member being engaged with the end cap; and a balloon folding control mechanism configured to promote refolding of the balloon into a predetermined folding configuration upon deflation of the balloon, wherein the balloon folding control mechanism is configured to apply a distally directed biasing force to the distal end of the balloon relative to the proximal end of the balloon, wherein the balloon folding control mechanism comprises a compression spring that is operably engaged with the distal end of the balloon at least when the balloon is in a deflated state, and wherein the compression spring is disposed about the stiffening member and is operably engaged between the distal end of the balloon and a stop collar affixed to the stiffening member so as to apply a biasing force therebetween.