Patent ID: 7985234
Filing Date: 2011-07-26
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A medical device, comprising: a repeatably inflatable and deflatable balloon including a body portion, a first sleeve portion, a second sleeve portion, a first tapered portion located between the first sleeve portion and the body portion, and a second tapered portion located between the second sleeve portion and the body portion, the balloon having a first material and a discrete strip of a second material extending continuously from a first end of the discrete strip of the second material to a second end of the discrete strip of the second material, the discrete strip of the second material being encapsulated by the first material when the balloon is inflated, the discrete strip of the second material extending continuously along the body portion of the balloon into the first tapered portion and into the second tapered portion, the second material having a lower distensibility and a higher stiffness than the first material; and a cutting element carried by the balloon centered over the discrete strip of the second material; wherein portions of the balloon formed of the first material that are adjacent to the discrete strip form flaps each time the balloon is deflated such that the cutting element is located in a furrow between flaps of the balloon.