| 摘要 |
A method of manufacture of a balloon (18) for a balloon catheter (10). The method entails a polymeric tubular member (32) having an inner lumen (28) and a longitudinal axis. An incompressible fluid is introduced into the inner lumen (28) at a predetermined volumetric flow rate, expanding the polymeric tubular member (32) to a desired outer diameter. The volumetric flow rate of fluid may be predetermined to not over-inflate the balloon (18). The balloon (18) is blown slower because no initial pressure need be exceeded, so higher blow up ratios may be achieved without sacrificing any strength of the balloon. The balloons embodying features of the invention have thinner walls, yet maintains the same physical and mechanical properties of a thicker walled balloon manufactured in today's methods. Therefore, the process of the invention will lead to lower profile balloon catheters for balloon catheters with the same outer diameter balloon diameter fited on to them. Alternatively, a balloon with the same wall thickness as a balloon made with standard techniques will yield a much stronger balloon. |
