Medical Dilation Element

Abstract

Medical dilatation balloons comprising layered polymers are disclosed including processes for joining crosslinked balloons to thermoplastic catheter systems.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A medical dilation element comprising a co-extruded tubular balloon portion, with wall portions, end portions, and cone portions, said wall portions formed of a first crosslinked thermoplastic polymeric composition forming a first polymer layer and a second non-crosslinked thermoplastic polymeric composition forming a second polymer layer, wherein said first polymer layers prior to exposure to crosslinking energy comprises a thermoplastic polymer and a functional crosslinking agent and said second polymer layer comprises said thermoplastic polymer without any functional crosslinking agent and wherein said thermoplastic polymer is either a polyurethane block copolymer also known as a thermoplastic polyurethane, or a polyamide polymer. 
     
     
         2 . A medical device comprising a catheter assembly with thermoplastic outer shaft portions and thermoplastic inner shaft portions wherein said shaft portions have inner and outer surfaces, and wherein at least a portion of the second polymer layer of said medical dilation element of  claim 1  is fused by heat welding to a surface of at least one of said thermoplastic polymer catheter shafts. 
     
     
         3 . A method for manufacturing the medical dilation element of  claim 1  by co-extruding a tubular portion comprising said first polymer layer and said second polymer layer, exposing said tubular portion to crosslinking energy, and expanding said tubular portion into said tubular balloon portion suitable for heat welding to a non-crosslinked thermoplastic polymer catheter shaft.