| 摘要 |
Disclosed herein is a compliant catheter balloon with an improved elastic response and reduced longitudinal expansion, and a method of forming the same. The balloon comprises a SEBS block copolymer, which is longitudinally pre-stretched during the balloon manufacture process. In order to control the working length of a balloon on a catheter, at least one adhesive stop is provided on the catheter which prevents adhesive from wicking into the working length of the balloon. Preferably, a pair of thermoset tubings with an outer diameter size close to the size of the inner diameter of the balloon are inserted on the distal portion of the catheter. After the proper placement of the balloon, the adhesive is applied at the balloon's proximal and distal ends. As the adhesive wicks to the balloon, the thermoset tubings will eventually stop the adhesive to prevent further wicking of adhesive into the balloon's working length. In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a balloon catheter to improve centering of the balloon on the catheter. After a balloon tubing is stretched, the stretched tubing is clamped to a fixture and stabilized at about 100° C. for 15 minutes. This stabilization step ensures that a balloon mounted on a catheter will inflate in a uniform manner.
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