Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a balloon having a plurality of layers. The inner layer acts as a support layer to the outer layer. Embedded within the outer layer is a plurality of particles or pellets which in one embodiment provide roughening of the outer surface of the balloon. The particles or pellets, particularly in conjunction with an inner support layer, ensure maintenance of the roughened outer surface of the balloon during inflation of the balloon. In another embodiment, the particles or pellets may be radiopaque and/or echogenic with or without creating surface roughening of the balloon.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a balloon having a plurality of layers. The inner layer acts as a support layer to the outer layer. Embedded within the outer layer is a plurality of particles or pellets which in one embodiment provide roughening of the outer surface of the balloon. The particles or pellets, particularly in conjunction with an inner support layer, ensure maintenance of the roughened outer surface of the balloon during inflation of the balloon. In another embodiment, the particles or pellets may be radiopaque and/or echogenic with or without creating surface roughening of the balloon.

Abstract: A medical balloon of a balloon catheter has at least first and second layers in which the second, outer, layer is made of a material having a lower melting or softening temperature than the inner layer. The outer layer is provided with texturing or roughening on its outer surface, thereby to provide a textured roughened medical balloon. The inner layer supports the outer layer and in particular the texture or roughening of the outer surface of the outer layer. This support prevents or substantially reduces any flattening of any texture or roughening on the outside surface of the balloon when inflated.