Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
UNIFORM EXPANSION OF THIN-WALLED SCAFFOLDS

Abstract:

A medical device includes a balloon expanded scaffold (or stent) crimped to a catheter having a balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes using protective polymer sheaths or sheets during crimping, and resetting the sheaths or sheets during the crimping to avoid or minimize interference between the polymer material and scaffold struts as the scaffold is reduced in size. Balloon pressure is adjusted when the polymer material is reset.