Invented by Alexander Quillin Tilson, Mark Christopher SCHEEFF, Loma Vista Medical Inc

The market for inflatable medical devices has been growing steadily in recent years. These devices are used in a variety of medical applications, including wound care, compression therapy, and orthopedic support. Inflatable medical devices are designed to be lightweight, portable, and easy to use, making them ideal for use in both clinical and home settings. One of the main drivers of the market for inflatable medical devices is the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. These conditions often require ongoing medical treatment, and inflatable medical devices can provide effective and convenient solutions for managing symptoms and preventing complications. Another factor driving the market for inflatable medical devices is the aging population. As people age, they are more likely to experience mobility issues and other health problems that require medical intervention. Inflatable medical devices can help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life by providing support and relief from pain and discomfort. In addition to these factors, technological advancements in the field of medical devices have also contributed to the growth of the market for inflatable medical devices. New materials and manufacturing techniques have made it possible to create devices that are more durable, comfortable, and effective than ever before. One of the most popular types of inflatable medical devices is the compression garment. These garments are designed to apply pressure to specific areas of the body, helping to reduce swelling and improve circulation. Compression garments are commonly used to treat conditions such as lymphedema, deep vein thrombosis, and varicose veins. Another type of inflatable medical device is the air mattress. These mattresses are designed to provide pressure relief and prevent bedsores in patients who are bedridden or have limited mobility. Air mattresses are also commonly used in hospitals and nursing homes to provide a more comfortable sleeping surface for patients. Overall, the market for inflatable medical devices is expected to continue growing in the coming years. As the population ages and chronic diseases become more prevalent, the demand for these devices is likely to increase. Additionally, ongoing technological advancements are likely to lead to the development of new and innovative inflatable medical devices that can provide even more effective and convenient solutions for patients and healthcare providers alike.

The Loma Vista Medical Inc invention works as follows

An inflatable ball includes a base with a cylindrical and conical section, and at least one circumferential fibre extending around the conical portion. The inflatable balloon has a number of reinforcing stripes in the conical area over the at-least-one circumferential fibre. Each reinforcing band includes a number of fibers that extend at an angle to the at-least-one fiber. “Each reinforcing band is placed a certain circumferential distance from the neighboring reinforcing strips.

Background for Inflatable medical devices

Inflatable structures such as balloons are used widely in medical procedures. The balloon is placed, usually on the tip of a catheter. It’s inserted until it reaches the desired area. The balloon will inflate when you apply pressure. When the balloon is inflated, it creates an internal space.

Balloons can be used to treat heart valves including Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Installation (TAVI). Balloons can be used for opening a stenosed valve. The hard calcific lesions on a stenosed aortic valve can tear or puncture the balloon. A precise balloon diameter is also desirable for safety and control.

Balloons can be used to move the plaque from the center of the vascular lumen towards the walls of the vasculature, as in an angioplasty procedure or peripheral vasculature. A balloon-tipped catheter is used to treat a vascular obstruction. The balloon dilates the constriction of the vessel as it is inflated. This results in better blood flow.

Two basic types of balloons can be used: one is a low-compliance, high-pressure balloon. The other is an inflatable with a low pressure and high compliance.

High-compliance balloons for medical use are usually made of silicone, PVC or Pebax. The dimensions of a high compliance balloon expand as the pressure increases. The high-compliance balloon can return to its original or close to original shape once the pressure is reduced. “High-compliance balloons can expand up to several times their volume between zero pressure and rupture.

Traditional high-compliance balloons may not be adequate for a variety of reasons. Medical balloons that are high-compliance or highly elastic cannot achieve high pressures due to their low tensile strength. They also thin out with expansion. High-compliance balloons may not be strong enough to perform a certain procedure. “Exceeding the rated pressurization of a high compliance medical balloon can create an excessive risk of failure, which could lead to serious complications in the patient.

High-compliance balloons have also poor shape control.” When a high compliance medical balloon expands it can take on a shape that is largely dictated by the specifics of the environment within the patient, rather than clinical goals. This can sometimes be against what the doctor wants. “Many medical procedures rely on the balloon’s ability to form a certain shape.

High-compliance balloons are often prone to punctures and tears.

Low compliance, high-pressure medical balloons retain their shape substantially under relatively high pressures. PET (polyethyleneterephthalate), is the most commonly used material in low-compliance high pressure balloons. PET is used in high-performance balloons for angioplasty. PET is more durable than other polymers. It can also be molded in a variety shapes, and it can be made thin (5 m to 50 m (0.0002 i. PET is stronger than other polymers, can be molded into a variety of shapes and can be made very thin (e.g., 5?m to 50?m (0.0002 in. These balloons have a low-profile, which is why they are so popular.

Balloons with PET walls are fragile, and easily tearable.” PET balloons are not puncture resistant when pressed against hard surfaces in the body such as stenosis. PET balloons are stiff, so they may be hard to fold or pack into a small size. They may also have poor trackability.

While PET balloons are stronger than other homogeneous polymer balloons, they may not be strong or durable enough to complete certain medical procedures. PET balloons with large diameters (for example, greater than 20 mm) still have excessive compliance when used for BAV or TAVI.

PET is typically blow-molded, just like most balloons with low compliance. Certain shapes are difficult to make or even impossible with the blow molding process. The balloon wall thicknesses can be affected by blow molding, and may not match up to the load.

Nylon balloons is an alternative material to low-compliance high pressure balloons. These balloons can hold less pressure because they are usually weaker than PET. Nylon absorbs water easily, which in some cases can affect the material properties of Nylon. “Nylon is more flexible and has better puncture resistance than PET.

A balloon that is able to withstand high pressure, control the shape precisely and be highly resistant and durable against punctures and tears would be ideal.

Inflatable balloons will be described in this article.

In general, one embodiment of an inflatable balloon comprises a base ball having a cylindrical and conical sections, and at least one circumferential fibre extending circumferentially about the conical section. The inflatable balloon has a number of reinforcing stripes in the conical area over the one circumferential fibre. Each reinforcing band includes a number of fibers that extend at an angle to the at-least-one fiber. “Each reinforcing band is placed a certain circumferential distance from the neighboring reinforcing strips.

This and other embodiments may include some or all of the following features. The angle between a plurality of fibers in the reinforcing band and at least one circumferential fibre can be about 90 degrees. The plurality fibers can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis. The inflatable balloon may include a number of longitudinal fibres that extend at an angle with the at-least-one fiber. This at least one can also extend over the group of longitudinal fibres. The angle between the multiple longitudinal fibers, and at least one circumferential fibre can be about 90 degrees. The longitudinal axis of a balloon can be paralleled by a plurality of fibers. Each reinforcing strip can include a tape of fibers. The reinforcing stripes can be arranged in a way that they radiate outwards from the end of the balloon to the central part. Only 3 to 32 reinforcing stripes can be included in the balloon. In a radial pattern, each reinforcing band can only include a single layer fiber monofilaments. Each reinforcing band can have a tapered area. The balloon may include a cylindrical section at the end. A conical section could be placed between the cylindrical section and the cylindrical end. The reinforcing stripes can overlap in the cylindrical section. The multiple reinforcing strip can be joined together in the cylindrical end section. The reinforcing strip can extend into the cylindrical end section, and then terminate within it.

In general, the latitudinal fiber reinforcement can be applied in a wave pattern to an inflatable ball. The latitudinal fibre can be straightened out when inflated.

In general, one aspect is that the pitch of the fibers surrounding an inflatable balloon may vary along the length the taper in order to prevent the balloon from everting.

In general, one aspect is that a layer for an inflatable balloon can be formed by vapor deposit. The parylene can then be vapor deposition and treated in order to enhance its bondability.

In general, a medical inflatable balloon has a spherical cap at the distal end. The spherical cap can have a plurality layers. Each layer has fibers that extend therein. The fibers are oriented at an angled angle to the neighboring layer.

Click here to view the patent on Google Patents.