Patent ID: 7914487
Filing Date: 2011-03-29
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A non-compliant medical balloon having a deflated state and an inflated state, the balloon comprising: a base balloon having a substantially folded outer surface when in the deflated state and an unfolded outer surface including a pair of spaced-apart, generally conical end sections and a generally cylindrical center section connected therebetween when in the inflated state; a braided fabric sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the base balloon, the portion having at least two different diameters, wherein the sleeve is formed of a single layer of at least three substantially inelastic fibers interlocked by means of twisting over each other in such a way that no two of the three fibers are twisted exclusively around one another, the fibers changing directions at longitudinally spaced apart intervals corresponding to junctions with interconnecting fibers; wherein the sleeve is permanently affixed to the outer surface of the base balloon such that there is substantially no change in the angles formed between the fibers in the braided fabric sleeve when the base balloon is internally pressurized from an undeployed, deflated configuration to an inflated configuration; and wherein the balloon in an undeployed, deflated configuration has a folded configuration including at least three longitudinal folds extending continuously between the first and second end portions of the generally cylindrical barrel portion, whereby the folds decrease the circumference of the balloon in a deflated state to facilitate insertion of the balloon while retaining the generally cylindrical configuration of the barrel portion; and wherein the length and circumference of the balloon do not undergo a substantial change following inflation of the balloon from the folded state to the inflated state configuration.