Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for manufacturing a centering, perfusion catheter balloon. A mold member is formed having an axial aperture. A plurality of axially spaced sets of transverse holes through the mold member. Each set of holes includes one or more holes, with the holes in each succeeding set at a predetermined angle to the holes in the immediate preceding set. A tight fitting sleeve is provided around the mold member. A plastic tube is inserted into the axial hole and the assembly is heated and the tube is internally pressurized to cause the tube to expand the tube into the holes, forming outwardly extending knobs on the tube. The tube is cooled and fluid is evacuated from the tube, causing the tube to draw the knobs into the axial aperture to permit the completed tube to be withdrawn. The tube can then be assembled into a treatment catheter assembly with the knobs maintaining a treatment device centered in the balloon while the knobs allow fluid perfusion along the catheter.

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First Claim