An apparatus for gripping a balloon catheter during folding (i.e., fluting) is provided. The apparatus includes a base unit, a back gripper and a front gripper. The front gripper is configured to straighten an inner lumen of the balloon catheter. A method for gripping a balloon catheter during fluting is also provided. The method can include the steps of straightening an inner lumen of the balloon catheter and aligning the inner lumen with a central axis when straightened. The method further can include the steps of providing a plurality of arms coupled to the base unit and arranged in a pattern about a central axis, translating the plurality of arms in a radial direction toward and away from the central axis, fluting the balloon catheter with a plurality of blades coupled to the plurality of arms.
