This is a new market in which high-pressure balloons are being used to repair aneurysms
as an alternative to open surgery. A balloon-mounted, woven artificial graft with
a stent-like structure built in on each end or over the entire length is wrapped
tightly onto the balloon to minimize its profile. The graft, which is longer than
the aneurysm, is deployed and attached to the artery wall by inflating the balloon
within the artery. The graft forms a lining that by-passes the weakened area of
the artery and it remains in place permanently anchored to the vessel wall. The
graft then restores normal circulatory flow after the balloon is deflated and removed.1
A wide variety of diameters and lengths are required in this procedure. Tapered
and custom-shaped balloons are sometimes needed as well.
Footnote
1 Baxter Healthcare Corporation, PR Newswire, Aug. 11, 1999.