Patent attributes
An apparatus for folding a pre-pleated catheter balloon comprises a stationary base member; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the stationary base member; and a folding head aligned with respect to the stationary base member and to the rotatable drive hub. The folding head includes at least three segments, each having a proximal end and an angled distal end with at least one angled side face terminating in an edge of a predetermined length. The segments are arranged so that the segment distal ends are disposed adjacent to and defining a central aperture The segment distal ends move closer to the central point upon rotation of the rotatable hub member in a predetermined direction, whereby the balloon is folded around the shaft substrate upon rotation of the rotatable hub.