Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter balloon having an advantageous cone design. In particular, the catheter balloon has at least one cone section with a volume in mm3 such that, when the ratio of one cone volume to the transverse cross-sectional area in mm2 of the inflated median section is at least about 2.1 mm. In certain applications, the advantageous cone design can assist in the preferential expansion of the cone sections prior to any significant expansion of the median section. The balloon can thus advantageously be utilized as a component of a balloon catheter or prosthesis delivery system, also provided via the present invention. When so utilized, the inventive balloon can assist in reducing any shifting of the balloon and/or prosthesis during inflation or delivery, respectively. Methods of utilizing the balloon catheters in dilation procedures, as well as the prosthesis delivery systems to deliver prosthesis, are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to catheters used for delivering medical devices. The catheter incorporates sleeves which aid in containing the medical device on the catheter, wherein the sleeves have portions comprising high modulus material to aid in the function of the sleeves.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter balloon having an advantageous cone design. In particular, the catheter balloon has at least one cone section with a volume in mm3 such that, when the ratio of one cone volume to the transverse cross-sectional area in mm2 of the inflated median section is at least about 2.1 mm. In certain applications, the advantageous cone design can assist in the preferential expansion of the cone sections prior to any significant expansion of the median section. The balloon can thus advantageously be utilized as a component of a balloon catheter or prosthesis delivery system, also provided via the present invention. When so utilized, the inventive balloon can assist in reducing any shifting of the balloon and/or prosthesis during inflation or delivery, respectively. Methods of utilizing the balloon catheters in dilation procedures, as well as the prosthesis delivery systems to deliver prosthesis, are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to catheters used for delivering medical devices. The catheter incorporates sleeves which aid in containing the medical device on the catheter, wherein the sleeves have portions comprising high modulus material to aid in the function of the sleeves.

Abstract: A dilatation balloon comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface having a lubricious material disposed thereon to reduce friction or prevent adherence of adjacent layers, and thus reduce the pressure required for inflation.

Abstract: Improved stent securement in a balloon catheter including balloon modification. The improvement comprises a circumferential fold in at least one of the distal cone portion and proximal cone portion over a portion of the body portion. The fold includes first and second layers of balloon material which are touching each other in a plurality of locations. The fold encompasses a circumferential end portion of the stent for securing it in place until dilation of the balloon.

Abstract: A stent delivery system having one or more stent retaining sleeves. The at least one sleeve having at least one lubricant application port, the at least one lubricant application port defining an opening through the at least one sleeve. The opening constructed and arranged to allow a lubricious substance to pass through the at least one sleeve and at least partially coat a portion of the balloon and/or stent positioned thereunder.

Abstract: A dilatation balloon comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface having a lubricious material disposed thereon to reduce friction or prevent adherence of adjacent layers, and thus reduce the pressure required for inflation.

Abstract: The invention is an extruded bicomponent elastomeric netting having unidirectional elasticity. Such a netting product is a non-woven article employing a non-elastic material such as polypropylene (10) in the machine direction strands and an elastic material such as a styrenic block copolymer (12) in the cross machine direction strands. The reverse arrangement, a product with “reverse strand distribution”, is also possible.

Abstract: A stent delivery system comprising a catheter. The catheter including a stent mounting region and a stent disposed thereabout. The stent having a distal end and a proximal end, and an unexpanded state and an expanded state. At least one stent retaining sleeve, having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end overlays an end of the stent when the stent is in the unexpanded state. The second end engaged to at least a portion of the catheter adjacent to the stent mounting region. The stent retaining sleeve(s) comprising a first material and at least one substantially longitudinally oriented fiber of a second material. The first material having a predetermined tensile modulus and the second material having a predetermined tensile modulus, wherein the predetermined tensile modulus of the second material is greater than that of the first material.

Abstract: Improved stent securement in a balloon catheter including balloon modification.

Abstract: A stent-carrying balloon catheter in which a balloon is positioned within a stent for expanding the stent upon dilation of the balloon. The balloon includes a circumferential fold over a portion of the balloon itself, the fold encompassing a circumferential end portion of the stent for securing it in place until dilation of the balloon.

Abstract: Bicomponent elastomeric extruded netting having bidirectional elasticity is formed of one set of relatively elastic, extruded strands in one direction and another set of transverse, relatively elastic extruded strands. The strands are formed of relatively elastic resins.