Method for reducing dilation balloon cone stiffness

摘要

A method for stretch blow molding dilatation balloons for angioplasty catheters having a significantly reduced cone thickness without sacrifice in burst strength is achieved by utilizing a mold whose cavity includes arcuate walls defining the balloon's end cones and a predetermined minimal distance from the side edges of the mold to the points where the arcuate walls intersect with a smaller diameter balloon stem portion. Utilizing this mold and providing for three longitudinal stretching sequences, one prior to, one during and one following radial expansion of the heated plastic parison, results in an improved balloon exhibiting reduced cone stiffness.