ANGIOPLASTY BALLOON

摘要

Described here are angioplasty balloon devices for generating shock waves to break up calcified plaques along a length of a vessel and methods of making such devices. Generally, the devices may be used in angioplasty and/or valvuloplasty procedures, but may alternatively be used in other applications. In some variations, the device may include an elongate member, a plurality of electrode assemblies, and at least one tubular sleeve interposed between adjacent or neighboring electrode assemblies that form a continuous outer profile between the electrode assemblies. These devices may have a smooth, continuous outer profile without substantial profile transitions and/or may have stiffening sections between electrode assemblies.

主权项

1. A device for generating shock waves comprising:
an elongate member having a diameter; a first electrode assembly at a first axial location on the elongate member and comprising a first outer sheath having a first outer diameter larger than the diameter of the elongate member; a second electrode assembly at a second axial location on the elongate member and comprising a second outer sheath having a second outer diameter larger than the diameter of the elongate member; a third electrode assembly at a third axial location on the elongate member and comprising a third outer sheath having a third outer diameter larger than the diameter of the elongate member; a first tubular sleeve surrounding the elongate member and axially extending between the first and second electrode assemblies, the first sleeve having an outer diameter substantially similar to at least one of the first and second outer diameters; and a second tubular sleeve surrounding the elongate member and axially extending between the second and third electrode assemblies, the second sleeve having an outer diameter substantially similar to at least one of the second and third outer diameters.