Brandon J Schwab

US Patent:

20050149082, Jul 7, 2005

Filed:

Dec 31, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/750541

Inventors:

Carl Yee - San Diego CA, US
Ricardo Roman - San Diego CA, US
Brandon Schwab - San Diego CA, US

International Classification:

A61B017/22

US Classification:

606159000

Abstract:

A microsurgical balloon, with at least one incising component mounted to the surface of the balloon, includes a protective pad to prevent the outer surface of the incising component from coming into contact with and damaging the balloon surface. In particular, the protective pad is positioned on the outer surface of the balloon substantially parallel to and juxtaposed with the incising component. When the balloon is in a deflated configuration, either for insertion into the vasculature system or removal from the patient, the protective pad engages the outer surface of the incising component thereby protecting the balloon from being punctured or damaged by the incising component. The protective pad may be bonded to the outer surface of the balloon, or it may be an integral part of a homogeneous balloon structure.