Abstract: Medical dilatation balloons comprising layered polymers are disclosed including processes for joining crosslinked balloons to thermoplastic catheter systems.

Abstract: Medical dilatation balloons comprise a polymer that has the attribute of memory, and/or is crosslinked to impart memory. Such balloons exhibit a reduced tendency to overinflate at high inflation pressures. Furthermore, such balloons when shrunk radially by the application of heat while restraining axial shrinkage, exhibit customizable linear or non-linear compliance curves and lower crosslinking profile relative to the same balloon when unshrunk. Also disclosed is an expansive element within a tube whose outer diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the tube from which it was made. In addition, disclosed are (a) processes for preparing crosslinkable polymers, (b) joining crosslinked balloons to catheter systems, (c) forming shrunk balloon elements, and (d) forming an expansive element within a tube whose outer diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the tube from which it was made.

Abstract: A method for producing increased resistance to biodegradability is provided for biomedical devices subject to in vivo implantation. Among the steps required to produce such resistance are the application of a thermoplastic polyurethane coating to the device to provide a coating, and the subsequent crosslinking of the thermoplastic polyurethane coating through the application of radiation of a sufficient intensity and duration to convert said thermoplastic polyurethane coating to a thermoset coating possessing the attribute of increased biostability.

Abstract: Medical dilatation balloons comprise a polymer that has the attribute of memory, and/or is crosslinked to impart memory. Such balloons exhibit a reduced tendency to overinflate at high inflation pressures. Furthermore, such balloons when shrunk radially by the application of heat while restraining axial shrinkage, exhibit customizable linear or non-linear compliance curves and lower crosslinking profile relative to the same balloon when unshrunk. Also disclosed is an expansive element within a tube whose outer diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the tube from which it was made. In addition, disclosed are (a) processes for preparing crosslinkable polymers, (b) joining crosslinked balloons to catheter systems, (c) forming shrunk balloon elements, and (d) forming an expansive element within a tube whose outer diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the tube from which it was made.

Abstract: Medical dilatation balloons comprise a polymer that has the attribute of memory, and/or is crosslinked to impart memory. Such balloons exhibit a reduced tendency to overinflate at high inflation pressures. Furthermore, such balloons when shrunk radially by the application of heat while restraining axial shrinkage, exhibit customizable linear or non-linear compliance curves and lower crosslinking profile relative to the same balloon when unshrunk. Also disclosed is an expansive element within a tube whose outer diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the tube from which it was made. In addition, disclosed are (a) processes for preparing crosslinkable polymers, (b) joining crosslinked balloons to catheter systems, (c) forming shrunk balloon elements, and (d) forming an expansive element within a tube whose outer diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the tube from which it was made.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation-crosslinkable thermoplastic polymer composition, a process for the preparation thereof, an angioplasty balloon and a medical catheter made using such a composition. The composition contains a reactive monomer cross-linker facilitates cross-linking of the reaction product upon contact of the cross-linker-containing composition with energy from a radiation source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation-crosslinkable thermoplastic polymer composition, a process for the preparation thereof, an angioplasty balloon and a medical catheter made using such a composition. The composition contains a reactive monomer cross-linker facilitates cross-linking of the reaction product upon contact of the cross-linker-containing composition with energy from a radiation source.

Abstract: Medical dilatation balloons comprise a polymer that has the attribute of memory, and/or is crosslinked to impart memory. Such balloons exhibit a reduced tendency to overinflate at high inflation pressures. Furthermore, such balloons when shrunk radially by the application of heat while restraining axial shrinkage, exhibit customizable linear or non-linear compliance curves and lower crosslinking profile relative to the same balloon when unshrunk. Also disclosed is an expansive element within a tube whose outer diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the tube from which it was made. In addition, disclosed are (a) processes for preparing crosslinkable polymers, (b) joining crosslinked balloons to catheter systems, (c) forming shrunk balloon elements, and (d) forming an expansive element within a tube whose outer diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the tube from which it was made.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation-crosslinkable thermoplastic polymer composition, a process for the preparation thereof, an angioplasty balloon and a medical catheter made using such a composition. The composition contains a reactive monomer cross-linker facilitates cross-linking of the reaction product upon contact of the cross-linker-containing composition with energy from a radiation source.

Abstract: A dilatation device comprising a polymer tube having an essentially uniform outer diameter, with an expandable portion and a less expandable portion, said expandable portion having a wall thickness different than that of said less expandable portion. Said device is formed by providing a tube with an original outer diameter, length and wall thickness; heating the tube; applying pressure to the interior of the tube to expand a portion of said tube to form a balloon having a desired shape and size; releasing the interior pressure and collapsing said balloon; and, simultaneously allowing said portion in which the balloon was formed to radially shrink while longitudinally restraining said portion thereby manipulating the original diameter and length of said tube, said heated and shrunk portion thereby forming an expandable portion in said tube.

Abstract: A method for producing increased resistance to biodegradability is provided for biomedical devices subject to in vivo implantation. Among the steps required to produce such resistance are the application of a thermoplastic polyurethane coating to the device to provide a coating, and the subsequent crosslinking of the thermoplastic polyurethane coating through the application of radiation of a sufficient intensity and duration to convert said thermoplastic polyurethane coating to a thermoset coating possessing the attribute of increased biostability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation-crosslinkable thermoplastic polymer composition, a process for the preparation thereof, an angioplasty balloon made using such a composition, and a method of using the angioplasty balloon. The composition contains a reactive monomer cross-linker, that facilitates cross-linking of the reaction product upon contact of the cross-linker-containing composition with a particle beam from a radiation source.

Abstract: A method for producing increased resistance to biodegradability is provided for biomedical devices subject to in vivo implantation. Among the steps required to produce such resistance are the application of a thermoplastic polyurethane coating to the device to provide a coating, and the subsequent crosslinking of the thermoplastic polyurethane coating through the application of radiation of a sufficient intensity and duration to convert said thermoplastic polyurethane coating to a thermoset coating possessing the attribute of increased biostability.