Medical balloon with radiopaque identifier for precisely identifying the working surface

Abstract

A balloon catheter includes an elongated, tubular shaft extending in a longitudinal direction, said shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. An inflatable balloon is supported along the distal end of the shaft, the balloon when inflated including first and second spaced conical end sections and a working surface between the conical sections. The balloon further includes at least one radiopaque marking identifying the transition from the conical end section to the working surface. Related aspects are also disclosed.

1 . A balloon catheter, comprising:
 an elongated, tubular shaft extending in a longitudinal direction, said shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; and   an inflatable balloon supported along the distal end of the shaft, the balloon when inflated including first and second spaced conical end sections and a working surface between the conical sections, the balloon further including at least one radiopaque marking identifying the transition from the conical end section to the working surface;   wherein the marking comprises a first pattern on the conical end sections and further including a second, different pattern on the working surface.   
     
     
         2 . The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one radiopaque marking comprises a first radiopaque marking at a first transition between the first conical end section and the working surface, and further including a second radiopaque marking at a second transition between the second conical end section and the working surface. 
     
     
         3 . The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one marking comprises at strip. 
     
     
         4 . The catheter of  claim 1 , further including a plurality of radiopaque markings in the form of strips. 
     
     
         5 . The catheter of  claim 4 , wherein the strips extend at least partially in a longitudinal direction between the first and second conical end sections. 
     
     
         6 . The catheter of  claim 4 , wherein the strips comprise annular bands. 
     
     
         7 . The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein at least two spaced radiopaque markings are provided on each conical end section, including one adjacent a distal portion and a proximal portion of each conical end section. 
     
     
         8 . The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the balloon includes a barrel section between the first and second conical end sections, and further including a plurality of radiopaque markings on the barrel section. 
     
     
         10 . The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one marking is selected from the group consisting of a strip, a brand, a logo, a letter, a number, a word, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the identifier comprises a scale. 
     
     
         12 . The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the balloon includes a drug. 
     
     
         13 . The catheter of  claim 12 , wherein the drug corresponds to the location of the radiopaque marking. 
     
     
         14 . The catheter of  claim 12 , wherein the drug corresponds to other than the location of the radiopaque marking. 
     
     
         15 . The catheter of  claim 12 , wherein the radiopaque marking comprises the drug formulated to include a radiopacifier. 
     
     
         16 . A balloon having a drug carried on a working surface of the balloon wall and a radiopaque identifier identifying the location of the drug on the balloon. 
     
     
         17 . The balloon of  claim 16 , wherein the radiopaque identifier comprises a radiopaque material mixed with a formulation comprising the drug. 
     
     
         18 . The balloon of  claim 16 , wherein the working surface is along a barrel section of the balloon, and the radiopaque identifier is on one or both cone sections of the balloon. 
     
     
         19 . A method of creating a balloon coated with a drug, the location of which is identified by radiopacity, comprising:
 applying a radiopaque agent and a drug to the balloon.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the applying step comprising mixing the radiopaque agent with the drug. 
     
     
         21 .- 22 . (canceled)