Multilayer catheter balloon

Abstract

A method of producing laminated inflatable, substantially inextensible expander members having composite properties enhancing their use on intravascular catheters, such as angioplasty catheters is described. Diverse polymeric compounds of differing properties are coextruded to create a multilayer parison. The parison is subsequently drawn and expanded in a blow molding operation to yield an expander member exhibiting enhanced properties including lubricity, burst-strength, limited radial expansion, bondability, and rupture characteristics.

1 - 25  (Canceled)  
     
     
         26 . A method of producing a laminated expander member, the method comprising: 
 coextruding different polymeric materials to form a multilayer parison comprising a first layer comprising a first polymeric material including a liquid crystal polymer, and a second layer comprising a second polymeric material different from the first polymeric material; and    forming the parison into the expander member.    
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , further comprising coextruding a third layer disposed towards an exterior of the expander member relative to the first and second layers, the third layer enhancing the lubricity of the expander member.  
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 26 , further comprising biaxially orienting the first layer.  
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the first layer consists essentially of liquid crystal polymer.  
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the second layer is an adhesion layer.  
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the adhesion layer is disposed toward the interior of the expander member relative to the first layer.  
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the expander member has a radial expansion not exceeding three percent when inflated to seven atmospheres.  
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein forming the parison into the expander member comprises drawing the parison and expanding the parison in a blow molding operation.