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 pre determined topography.

1 .- 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A system for performing angioplasty comprising:
 a catheter shaft;   an inflatable balloon at a distal portion of the catheter shaft; and   a radially expandable constraining structure disposed over the balloon, the constraining structure comprising:
 a plurality of axially spaced-apart, radially expandable rings; and 
 a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart axial struts crossing the plurality of rings, the constraining structure being non-deployably disposed over the balloon; 
   wherein, when the balloon is inflated, a maximum expanded diameter of the constraining structure is less than a maximum inflated diameter of the balloon, such that separate inflation zones separated by the plurality of rings and the plurality of struts are created, the separate inflation zones being positioned radially outward of the constraining structure.   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the constraining structure is configured to restrict a length of the balloon during inflation. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein a proximal end or a distal end of the constraining structure is attached to the catheter shaft. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein proximal and distal ends of the constraining structure are attached to the catheter shaft. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein, prior to inflation, the balloon is folded beneath the constraining structure. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein each of the plurality of rings is a fully enclosed ring. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the plurality of rings are configured to expand independently of each other. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein, prior to the balloon being inflated, the constraining structure has an initial diameter, and wherein, when the balloon is deflated, the constraining structure returns to the initial diameter. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the constraining structure comprises a drug coating. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the balloon comprises a drug coating. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the constraining structure comprises wires. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the constraining structure is laser cut. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the constraining structure comprises a metal. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the constraining structure comprises a polymer. 
     
     
         30 . A method for deploying a balloon catheter, the method comprising:
 advancing a balloon catheter comprising a constraining structure non-deployably disposed over a balloon to a target site in a vessel of a patient; and   inflating the balloon such that the balloon protrudes and expands through windows in the constraining structure, the constraining structure restricting axial lengthening of the balloon during inflation.   
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein inflating the balloon includes causing the constraining structure to expand. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising delivering an active substance to the vessel. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein inflating the balloon includes causing the balloon to unfold.