Device for compartmental dilatation of blood vessels

Abstract

A constraining structure for use with a balloon catheter includes multiple longitudinal struts and multiple expandable radial rings. The constraining structure can expand radially but may not expand substantially in the longitudinal direction. The constraining structure can have multiple compartments configured to expand independently of one another. Inflating the balloon catheter within the constraining structure can allow for dilation of the blood vessel in a predetermined topography.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A balloon catheter, the balloon catheter comprising
 an expandable balloon carried on the catheter; and   a radially expandable constraining structure disposed on the balloon,
 wherein the constraining structure comprises an expanded diameter smaller than an inflated diameter of the balloon, and 
 wherein the constraining structure comprises a plurality of compartments configured to define a plurality of portions of the balloon to expand independently of each other. 
   
     
     
         2 . The balloon catheter of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the constraining structure and the balloon catheter comprises an active substance delivery mechanism. 
     
     
         3 . The balloon catheter of  claim 2 , wherein the delivery mechanism comprises a carrier and/or coating. 
     
     
         4 . A constraining structure for constraining expansion of an inflatable balloon, the constraining structure comprising
 one or more expandable radial rings; and   one or more longitudinal struts connecting the constraining rings,   wherein the constraining structure is configured to be non deployably positioned over a balloon catheter.   
     
     
         5 . The constraining structure of  claim 4 , wherein the constraining structure comprises at least one of a metal or a polymer. 
     
     
         6 . The constraining structure of  claim 4 , wherein the constraining structure is formed from wires or is laser cut from a tube. 
     
     
         7 . The constraining structure of  claim 4 , wherein the longitudinal struts are substantially non-expandable. 
     
     
         8 . The constraining structure of  claim 4 , wherein the radial rings are configured to expand independently of each other. 
     
     
         9 . A method for deploying a balloon catheter, the method comprising
 Providing a balloon catheter having a constraining structure mounted over the balloon;   advancing the balloon catheter to a target site in a vessel of a patient; and   inflating the balloon thereby causing dilation of the vessel in a predetermined non-cylindrical topography.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein inflating the balloon causes the constraining structure to expand. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein a length of the balloon and the constraining structure remains substantially constant while causing the constraining structure to expand. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein inflating the balloon causes the balloon to protrude and expand through windows in the constraining structure. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein inflating the balloon creates a topography of hills and valleys. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein inflating the balloon comprises gradually inflating the balloon. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising delivering an active substance to the vessel.