A method for facilitating insertion of a balloon-carrying end of a catheter includes folding the balloon-carrying end while the balloon is in an uninflated condition. A length of soluble material is provided about the folded balloon-carrying end of the catheter and the material includes perforations or scalloped regions. Once the folded balloon-carrying end is inserted into a patient, the balloon can be inflated to brake the soluble material and unfold the balloon-carrying end.
