The present invention pertains to a stiffened balloon which can be used in angioplasty, endovascular, and valvuloplasty procedures or as a delivery balloon to deliver a stent or a stent-graft. One or more longitudinally continuous or discontinuous stiffening members connected to the expandable balloon stiffen the balloon but allow it to be navigated through curved passages. Radio-opaque portions may be referenced to determine orientation. Projections on the stiffening members may be provided to engage, incise, crush, fracture, or pierce occlusions or retain a stent or stent-graft.
