Patent ID: 7947207
Filing Date: 2011-05-24
Classification: A61F,B29C,B29K,B29L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of mounting a stent on a catheter, comprising: positioning the stent on a balloon of the catheter; applying a radially compressive force on an outer surface of the stent, thereby decreasing the outer diameter of the stent on the balloon; pressurizing the balloon in a range from 10 psi to 300 psi and heating the balloon in a range from 70° F. to 250° F. while restricting radial expansion of the outer surface of the stent during a first period of time whereby balloon material protrudes into gaps between stent struts; performing a process on the stent and balloon wherein the balloon protrusions withdraw from the gaps; and pressurizing the balloon in a range from 10 psi to 300 psi and heating the balloon in a range from 70° F. to 250° F. while restricting radial expansion of the outer surface of the stent during a second period of time whereby balloon material protrudes into the gaps.