US Patent 7335184 Balloon catheter and treatment apparatus

A balloon catheter. The balloon is of a composite material having the flexibility and elastic characteristics of an elastomeric material, yet exhibiting the growth limits of inelastic materials. The balloon may be provided in various shapes. The balloon may be treated to maintain a substantially constant length during inflation and deflation. The balloon may be provided with regions of porosity for the delivery of therapeutic agents, and may be treated to exhibit regions of distinct compliance. Also disclosed is an apparatus, which may be used to impart the regions of distinct compliance into the balloon.