SCORING BALLOON AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME

摘要

A scoring balloon (10) includes a generally cylindrical and straight body portion (12) and both ends of the body portion (12) end cone portions (14,16). At both extremities of the end cone portions (14,16) there are neck portions (18,20) which are fixed to a catheter or carrier element (22). A plurality of scoring elements (24) extend from one end of the balloon (10) to the other. Each scoring element (24) has a central uniform section (26) which extends along the body portion (12) of the balloon and tapering sections (28,30) which extend from the central section (26) and along the balloon end cones (14,16). The tapering sections (28,30) taper from a height generally consistent with the central section (26) to a lower height along the direction of taper of the balloon end cones (18,20). This reduction in height of the scoring elements (24) as the balloon narrows enhances the flexibility of the balloon at the cone portions (18,20) and also ensures that there is no abrupt change in the height of the scoring elements (24) which could present a shoulder or other edge able to snag on a vessel wall or medical device located in a patient's lumen.