Patent ID: 6923827

Claim:
A method of installing a stent within a patient's body, comprising: a) providing a catheter system, comprising: i) a tubular catheter shaft having a longitudinal axis with a proximal end and a distal end, said catheter shaft having an inflation lumen extending from an inflation port and extending distally to a location proximally spaced from the distal end; ii) an inflatable balloon affixed near the distal end of the catheter shaft, said balloon having an interior chamber in fluid communication with the inflation lumen, wherein said balloon is formed of a polyurethane, wherein said balloon has a preinflated shape, said shape having a substantially circular cross-section; and wherein said balloon has opposing ends affixed to the catheter shaft, said balloon having a length measured between said opposing ends, wherein the length varies less than ten percent between when the balloon is in a deflated state and when the balloon is inflated to a pressure of 8 atmospheres; and iii) an expandable stent disposed about and mounted onto the balloon; b) inserting the catheter system into the patient's body; c) inflating the balloon to produce radial expansion of the balloon and the stent mounted thereon; and d) deflating the balloon to its preinflated shape.