GRIPPING SYSTEM FOR STRAIGHTENING A BALLOON CATHETER DURING FLUTING

摘要

An apparatus for gripping a balloon catheter during folding (i.e., fluting) is provided. The apparatus includes a base unit, a back gripper and a front gripper. The front gripper is configured to straighten an inner lumen of the balloon catheter. A method for gripping a balloon catheter during fluting is also provided. The method can include the steps of straightening an inner lumen of the balloon catheter and aligning the inner lumen with a central axis when straightened. The method further can include the steps of providing a plurality of arms coupled to the base unit and arranged in a pattern about a central axis, translating the plurality of arms in a radial direction toward and away from the central axis, fluting the balloon catheter with a plurality of blades coupled to the plurality of arms.

主权项

1. An apparatus for gripping a balloon catheter during fluting comprising:
a base unit; a back gripper; a front gripper; and a plurality of arms coupled to the base unit and arranged in a pattern about a central axis; wherein the back gripper is removably coupled to a first portion of a balloon catheter and the front gripper is removably coupled to the second portion of the balloon catheter, wherein the front gripper is configured to straighten an inner lumen of the balloon catheter, wherein the inner lumen aligns with the central axis when straightened.