Patent ID: 7762804

Claim:
A balloon folding apparatus, comprising: a base unit; a control unit coupled to the base unit; a power source; a plurality of arms coupled to the base unit and configured in a radial pattern converging toward a central axis, wherein the plurality of arms is capable of translating in a radial direction; a plurality of motors coupled to the power source for enabling the plurality of arms to translate in a radial direction; a plurality of blades capable of being attached to and detached from the plurality of arms, wherein the plurality of blades is capable of translating in a radial direction and engaging a balloon catheter during the folding process; a cavity defined by the convergence of the plurality of blades about the central axis, wherein the cavity is capable of receiving a balloon catheter; a carriage coupled to the base unit and disposed substantially near the central axis, wherein the carriage is capable of translating in a direction generally parallel to the central axis; and a mounting unit coupled to the carriage, wherein the mounting unit is capable of holding a balloon catheter and providing the balloon catheter to the cavity for engagement by the plurality of blades.