Abstract: Catheters, balloons, and methods of manufacturing balloons for balloon catheters using lasers are disclosed. A catheter with a shaft sized for use with a 0.014 inch guide wire includes a polymeric balloon having a body portion with an inflated outer diameter of more than 6 millimeters. An inflatable balloon includes an inflated outer diameter to inner waist diameter ratio of 12.5 to 1. An inflatable polymeric balloon that has a body portion with two regions that have different molecular orientations is also provided. A method of processing an elongate polymeric material includes heating a portion of the polymeric material with a laser while longitudinally stretching the portion of the polymeric material. A method of manufacturing a balloon includes heating and longitudinally stretching a first and second portion of an elongate polymeric tube to form first and second end portion. The remaining body portion is radially expanded to form the balloon.

Abstract: Intravascular medical devices comprising a coating layer disposed on a substrate associated with the medical device, wherein the coating layer has a pre-determined fragmentation pattern. At least a portion of the coating layer comprises a plurality of discontinuous bioresorbable members, wherein the discontinuous bioresorbable members have a size less than the luminal diameter of an arteriole. The coating layer may be formed by excavating portions of a coating layer (e.g., by laser ablation) to create gaps which define the discontinuous bioresorbable members. In certain embodiments, the coating layer is formed of a heat-bondable material. In such embodiments, the discontinuous bioresorbable members may be adhered to the substrate via heat bonds. Also disclosed are methods of forming a coating layer on medical devices and methods of treating intravascular sites.

Abstract: Medical device balloons are formed from a tubular parison by a process or apparatus which establishes a controlled location (initiation zone) on the parison where radial expansion is initiated. Initiation within the initiation zone is achieved by heating the parison in that location to a higher temperature than the remainder of the parison for at least a portion of the blowing time. A variety of apparatus configurations are provided, some of which allow for the size and location of the initiation zone to be readily reconfigured. Balloons can also be modified, post-blowing, using heating apparatus and methods described.

Abstract: Medical device balloons are formed from a tubular parison by a process or apparatus which establishes a controlled location (initiation zone) on the parison where radial expansion is initiated. Initiation within the initiation zone is achieved by heating the parison in that location to a higher temperature than the remainder of the parison for at least a portion of the blowing time. A variety of apparatus configurations are provided, some of which allow for the size and location of the initiation zone to be readily reconfigured. Balloons can also be modified, post-blowing, using heating apparatus and methods described.

Abstract: Methods of making medical devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method for welding together two components is described. The two components are non-coaxial and contact one another. A fixture holds the two components in a desired configuration. Electromagnetic radiation is directed at an area where the two components are in contact. The radiation causes the two portions to fuse together. The fixture has an open area or a transmissive material in the path of the electromagnetic radiation so that at least a portion of the radiation impinged up on the two components.

Abstract: Medical balloons are energetically treated to form regions that facilitate deflation to a desirable configuration.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to medical devices and related methods. In some embodiments, the methods include applying a material to the balloon and then removing the material from one or more regions of the balloon.

Abstract: Medical device balloons are formed from a tubular parison by a process or apparatus which establishes a controlled location (initiation zone) on the parison where radial expansion is initiated. Initiation within the initiation zone is achieved by heating the parison in that location to a higher temperature than the remainder of the parison for at least a portion of the blowing time. A variety of apparatus configurations are provided, some of which allow for the size and location of the initiation zone to be readily reconfigured. Balloons can also be modified, post-blowing, using heating apparatus and methods described.

Abstract: An apparatus for tacking a multi-lumen tubular assembly together comprises a laser, an optical member and a placement tray for retaining the tubular assembly. A portion of the optical member defines a window that is substantially transparent to laser energy emitted from the laser. The window has a substantially concave shaped surface. The placement tray and the window surface define a processing area for positioning at least a portion of the tubular assembly. The processing area receives the laser energy that is emitted from the laser and passed through the window of the optical member. The tubular assembly is defined by an outer tubular member disposed about at least a portion of at least one inner tubular member. The laser energy transmitted into the processing area is transmitted substantially through the outer tubular member and is substantially absorbed by at least one region of the least one inner tubular member.

Abstract: Medical device balloons are formed from a tubular parison by a process or apparatus which establishes a controlled location (initiation zone) on the parison where radial expansion is initiated. Initiation within the initiation zone is achieved by heating the parison in that location to a higher temperature than the remainder of the parison for at least a portion of the blowing time. A variety of apparatus configurations are provided, some of which allow for the size and location of the initiation zone to be readily reconfigured. Balloons can also be modified, post-blowing, using heating apparatus and methods described.

Abstract: Methods of making medical devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method for welding together two components is described. The two components are non-coaxial and contact one another. A fixture holds the two components in a desired configuration. Electromagnetic radiation is directed at an area where the two components are in contact. The radiation causes the two portions to fuse together. The fixture has an open area or a transmissive material in the path of the electromagnetic radiation so that at least a portion of the radiation impinged up on the two components.

Abstract: Medical devices, for example, those that have balloons, and methods of making the devices are described. In some embodiments, a method includes providing a medical balloon having a first cone portion and a body portion, and removing material from an outer surface the body portion of the balloon such that the balloon includes a first region and a second region, the first region being recessed relative to the second region.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises at least one catheter shaft and a balloon. The catheter shaft comprises a substantially cylindrical portion and at least one tapered portion. The tapered portion forms an angle with the cylindrical portion of about 1 degree to about 25 degrees. At least one of the waists of the balloon is sealingly engaged to the tapered portion.

Abstract: Catheters, balloons, and methods of manufacturing balloons for balloon catheters using lasers are disclosed. A catheter with a shaft sized for use with a 0.014 inch guide wire includes a polymeric balloon having a body portion with an inflated outer diameter of more than 6 millimeters. An inflatable balloon includes an inflated outer diameter to inner waist diameter ratio of 12.5 to 1. An inflatable polymeric balloon that has a body portion with two regions that have different molecular orientations is also provided. A method of processing an elongate polymeric material includes heating a portion of the polymeric material with a laser while longitudinally stretching the portion of the polymeric material. A method of manufacturing a balloon includes heating and longitudinally stretching a first and second portion of an elongate polymeric tube to form first and second end portion. The remaining body portion is radially expanded to form the balloon.

Abstract: Medical device balloons are formed from a tubular parison by a process or apparatus which establishes a controlled location (initiation zone) on the parison where radial expansion is initiated. Initiation within the initiation zone is achieved by heating the parison in that location to a higher temperature than the remainder of the parison for at least a portion of the blowing time. A variety of apparatus configurations are provided, some of which allow for the size and location of the initiation zone to be readily reconfigured. Balloons can also be modified, post-blowing, using heating apparatus and methods described.

Abstract: An apparatus for tacking a multi-lumen tubular assembly together comprises a laser, an optical member and a placement tray for retaining the tubular assembly. A portion of the optical member defines a window that is substantially transparent to laser energy emitted from the laser. The window has a substantially concave shaped surface. The placement tray and the window surface define a processing area for positioning at least a portion of the tubular assembly. The processing area receives the laser energy that is emitted from the laser and passed through the window of the optical member. The tubular assembly is defined by an outer tubular member disposed about at least a portion of at least one inner tubular member. The laser energy transmitted into the processing area is transmitted substantially through the outer tubular member and is substantially absorbed by at least one region of the least one inner tubular member.