| abstract |
A balloon dilatation catheter (14) is provided with a fluted balloon (20) defining at least three wings (46). When the balloon collapses, it tends to assume the fluted configuration which defines a lower profile better adapted to pass through narrow channels, such as in endoscopes and guide catheters. The balloon is formed from a polymeric material in a method that involves the steps of tensioning the balloon to cause it to form flutes (44) while maintaining its interior under vacuum and subjecting the balloon, while so held, to heat and, thereafter, cooling the balloon while maintaining it in its tensioned, fluted configuration. |