Patent ID: 6126652
Filing Date: 2000-10-03
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A refolding tool for refolding a balloon of a balloon catheter of the type having an elongated catheter body having a catheter body diameter and an inflatable and deflatable balloon of a predetermined balloon length mounted to a distal segment of the catheter body from a deflated condition following an earlier inflation into a specified refolded diameter correlated with the catheter body diameter and sufficient to be advanced through a patient's vascular system by itself or within a guide catheter lumen to a desired vascular site comprising:a refolding tool body having a plurality of refolding lumens having differing refolding lumen diameters all exceeding the catheter body diameter,wherein at least an initial refolding lumen of the refolding tool has an initial refolding lumen diameter that exceeds the specified refolded diameter and is sized to accommodate advancement of the balloon through the initial refolding lumen to refold the balloon to an initial refolded balloon diameter exceeding the specified refolded diameter and a final refolding lumen of the refolding tool has a final refolding lumen diameter that is smaller in diameter than the initial refolding lumen diameter and is sized to refold the initial refolded balloon diameter to the specified refolded diameter upon advancement of the balloon through the final refolding lumen to refold the balloon to substantially the specified refolded diameter.