Abstract: An inflatable member suitable for angioplasty or other medical procedures comprising asymmetric conic shoulder portions that optimize the wrapped profile. The asymmetry distributes the inflatable member material of the shoulder portions over a larger area to reduce the inflatable member profile and improve flexibility. Optionally, the asymmetrical shoulder portions preformed creases to facilitate folding. In an alternate embodiment, each shoulder portion has at least three radially spaced preformed creases to optimize folding in the shoulder portion. The invention also comprises methods of forming such inflatable members, the methods generally comprising using molds having the requisite characteristics. Specifically, the mold may have ridges within the areas corresponding the shoulder portions to form the preformed creases when the inflatable member is blow molded.

Abstract: A catheter including an injection port at or near the distal end thereof and a mechanism for causing the injection port to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position the injection port is substantially aligned with a central axis of the catheter. Upon activation of the mechanism, the injection port moves between the first position and the second position perpendicular to the central axis of the catheter. The mechanism also causes the injection port to move away from the central axis of the catheter and into a wall of the vasculature.

Abstract: The invention is directed to modular molds for forming an inflatable member, in particular, balloons for use with balloon catheters and stent delivery systems. The detachable molds of the present invention include detachable segments including a generally cylindrical intermediate segment having an intermediate longitudinal dimension and an intermediate interior chamber with an intermediate inner diameter, and proximal and distal segments longitudinally disposed at opposing ends of the intermediate segment and having corresponding interior chambers.

Abstract: A balloon catheter for dilating a stenotic region of a patient's body lumen such as an artery or for the implantation of an expandable stent within a patient's body lumen. The balloon of the catheter has a plurality of canted wings which are inclined at an angle of about 15° to about 75°, preferably about 30° to about 60° from a line tangent to an inner tubular member extending within the interior of the balloon.

Abstract: A balloon catheter for dilating a stenotic region of a patient's body lumen such as an artery or for the implantation of an expandable stent within a patient's body lumen. The balloon of the catheter has a plurality of canted wings which are inclined at an angle of about 15° to about 75°, preferably about 30° to about 60° from a line tangent to an inner tubular member extending within the interior of the balloon.

Abstract: A balloon catheter for dilating a stenotic region of a patient's body lumen such as an artery or for the implantation of an expandable stent within a patient's body lumen. The balloon of the catheter has a plurality of canted wings which are inclined at an angle of about 15° to about 75°, preferably about 30° to about 60° from a line tangent to an inner tubular member extending within the interior of the balloon.