Scoring balloon with tapered height scoring elements

摘要

A scoring or cutting balloon (10) includes a cylindrical body portion (12) and end cone portions (14,16). At both extremities of the end cone portions (14,16) there are neck portions (18,20) which are fixed to a catheter or carrier element (22). At least one scoring element (24) extends from one end of the balloon (10) to the other. Each element (24) has a central uniform section (26) which extends along the body of the balloon and tapering sections (28,30) which extend from the central section (26) and along the balloon end cones (14,16), these taper from a height generally consistent with the central section (26) to a lower height along the direction of taper of the balloon end cones (18,20). This reduction in height of the scoring elements (24) as the balloon narrows enhances the flexibility of the balloon ends and means there is no abrupt change in the height which could present a shoulder or other edge able to snag on a vessel wall or medical device in a patient's lumen. A method of forming such a device is also disclosed, in which the scoring elements may be integral with the balloon.