BALLOON ALIGNMENT AND COLLAPSING SYSTEM

摘要

A balloon catheter is provided with rigid engagement elements (260, 270) which move into engagement when the balloon (216) is inflated, so that the engaged elements stiffen the balloon in the inflated condition. When the balloon is deflated, the engagement elements are at least partially disengaged so that the balloon can flex. A stem (274) on one engagement element (270) may project into the adjacent engagement element (260) in the disengaged condition, so that the stem allows the engagement elements to pivot but constrains them to prevent kinking. A stretchable tube (238) may be provided to allow communication through the balloon, and a spring (262, 42) may be provided to elongate the balloon upon deflation.