Catheter balloon having raised radial segments

摘要

A dilation balloon for a catheter with improved folding characteristics for insertion into a body conduit. The balloon surface is generally textured, having a reduced texture longitudinal strip causing preferential controlled folding along the strip. The preferential folding creates curved wings which fold together upon further deflation. The curved, folded wings result in a decreased profile having wing edges oriented so as to decrease contact with conduit walls. A preferred embodiment has raised radial ridges extending around a portion of the circumference of the balloon and a smooth longitudinal surface radially therebetween.