Inflatable medical devices

Abstract

An inflatable structure for use in biological lumens and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. The structure can have an inflatable balloon encircled by a shell. The shell can have proximal and distal tapered necks, longitudinally-oriented flutes, and apertures at the proximal and distal ends of the shell. The apertures can be recessed in the flutes in the necks. The shell can also have fiber reinforced walls.

1 . A balloon for an inflatable structure apparatus, comprising:
 a plurality of balloon segments arranged into an annular balloon structure and attached to each other, wherein the plurality of balloon segments form one inflation/deflation volume, the balloon forms a central fluid passage, and the balloon segments comprise cylindrical balloon segments or spiral ring balloon segments.   
     
     
         2 . The balloon according to  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of flexion sections connecting the cylindrical balloon segments with each other, wherein the diameter of the flexion sections is smaller than or equal to the diameter of the cylindrical balloon segments. 
     
     
         3 . An annular balloon structure for an inflatable structure apparatus, comprising:
 a plurality of individual balloons arranged into an annular structure and attached to each other wherein the annular balloon structure forms a central fluid passage and the individual balloons are essentially cylindrical balloons or toroidal balloons, with at least one inflation/deflation port each.   
     
     
         4 . The annular balloon structure according to  claim 3 , wherein the interior volumes of the individual balloons are connected together. 
     
     
         5 . A system, comprising:
 the balloon according to  claim 1 ; and   a shell in the shape of a hollow cylinder, entirely or partially covering the balloon segments.   
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 5 , wherein a leakage area between an inner wall of the shell and contact regions of the balloon segments is greater 10% of the total area enclosed by the shell cross section. 
     
     
         7 . The system according to  claim 5 , wherein the shell is sized to compress or squeeze the inflated balloon segments such that they are deformed. 
     
     
         8 . The system according to  claim 7 , wherein a leakage area between an inner wall of the shell and contact regions of the balloon segments is less than 15% of the total area enclosed by the shell cross section. 
     
     
         9 . The system according to  claim 5 , further comprising a hollow shaft in the central fluid passage. 
     
     
         10 . A system, comprising:
 the balloon according to  claim 1  with spiral ring balloon segments; and   a balloon strap attached to the balloon.