Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment a self-erasing printing system comprises a substrate such as paper, a printer, a printer driver, and self-erasing ink. The self-erasing ink can comprise an acid-base indicator and a base whereby the ink is colored when printed but erases itself after a predetermined period of time. After the ink has self-erased the substrate may be reused.

Abstract: A cutting balloon for use in a PTCA atherectomy procedure includes an elongated balloon that defines a longitudinal axis and is inflatable from a first deflated configuration to a second radially expanded configuration. One or more incising elements are mounted on the inflatable balloon. Compressible sheaths made of a relatively low durometer, flexible material are mounted on the balloon to protect the operative cutting surface of a respective incising element during assembly of the cutting balloon and transit of the cutting balloon to the treatment site. Each sheath extends farther from the longitudinal axis than the corresponding incising element and makes first contact with the tissue during a balloon inflation. Once contact has been established between the tissue and the sheath, further balloon inflation causes the sheath to radially compress between the tissue and the inflatable balloon exposing the operative cutting surface for tissue incision.

Abstract: A cutting balloon for use in a PTCA atherectomy procedure includes an elongated balloon that defines a longitudinal axis and is inflatable from a first deflated configuration to a second radially expanded configuration. One or more incising elements are mounted on the inflatable balloon. Compressible sheaths made of a relatively low durometer, flexible material are mounted on the balloon to protect the operative cutting surface of a respective incising element during assembly of the cutting balloon and transit of the cutting balloon to the treatment site. Each sheath extends farther from the longitudinal axis than the corresponding incising element and makes first contact with the tissue during a balloon inflation. Once contact has been established between the tissue and the sheath, further balloon inflation causes the sheath to radially compress between the tissue and the inflatable balloon exposing the operative cutting surface for tissue incision.

Abstract: A microsurgical balloon, with at least one incising component mounted to the surface of the balloon, includes a protective pad to prevent the outer surface of the incising component from coming into contact with and damaging the balloon surface. In particular, the protective pad is positioned on the outer surface of the balloon substantially parallel to and juxtaposed with the incising component. When the balloon is in a deflated configuration, either for insertion into the vasculature system or removal from the patient, the protective pad engages the outer surface of the incising component thereby protecting the balloon from being punctured or damaged by the incising component. The protective pad may be bonded to the outer surface of the balloon, or it may be an integral part of a homogeneous balloon structure.

Abstract: A medical balloon having a body section, a first tapered section and a second tapered section, waist sections, and a longitudinal axis, said balloon having a static state and an expanded state, the balloon configured and formed such that in the static state at least the body section of said balloon having a plurality of concave side regions extending between the first tapered section and the second tapered section, each concave side region curving toward the longitudinal axis of the balloon, and in the expanded state, the body section having a substantially cylindrical configuration.

Abstract: A microsurgical balloon, with at least one incising component mounted to the surface of the balloon, includes a protective pad to prevent the outer surface of the incising component from coming into contact with and damaging the balloon surface. In particular, the protective pad is positioned on the outer surface of the balloon substantially parallel to and juxtaposed with the incising component. When the balloon is in a deflated configuration, either for insertion into the vasculature system or removal from the patient, the protective pad engages the outer surface of the incising component thereby protecting the balloon from being punctured or damaged by the incising component. The protective pad may be bonded to the outer surface of the balloon, or it may be an integral part of a homogeneous balloon structure.

Abstract: A cutting balloon for use in a PTCA atherectomy procedure includes an elongated balloon that defines a longitudinal axis and is inflatable from a first deflated configuration to a second radially expanded configuration. One or more incising elements are mounted on the inflatable balloon. Compressible sheaths made of a relatively low durometer, flexible material are mounted on the balloon to protect the operative cutting surface of a respective incising element during assembly of the cutting balloon and transit of the cutting balloon to the treatment site. Each sheath extends farther from the longitudinal axis than the corresponding incising element and makes first contact with the tissue during a balloon inflation. Once contact has been established between the tissue and the sheath, further balloon inflation causes the sheath to radially compress between the tissue and the inflatable balloon exposing the operative cutting surface for tissue incision.