METHODS FOR UNIFORM CRIMPING AND DEPLOYMENT OF A POLYMER SCAFFOLD

摘要

A medical device-includes a scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes one or more balloon pressurization steps. The balloon pressurization steps are selected to enhance scaffold retention to the balloon while retaining, at least partially, the original balloon folds as the balloon is pressurized and de-pressurized within a crimper head. By at least partially retaining the original balloon folds, a uniformity of scaffold expansion by the balloon is improved.

主权项

1. A method of crimping, comprising the steps of:
using a scaffold formed from an expanded tube comprising a polymer, the scaffold having a network of rings interconnected by links and an outer diameter; and crimping the scaffold to a balloon catheter, including the steps of
reducing the diameter from a pre-crimp diameter to an intermediate diameter that is less than 33% of the pre-crimp diameter,after reducing the scaffold to the intermediate diameter, reducing the diameter to a final crimp diameter and pressurizing the balloon, andinitiating balloon pressurization only after the scaffold has attained the intermediate crimp diameter and prior to the scaffold attaining the final crimp diameter.