METHOD OF MAKING AN ENHANCED FLEXIBILITY NEUROVASCULAR CATHETER
First Claim
1. A method of making a flexible distal zone on a neurovascular catheter, having an elongate tubular body with a distal end, comprising the steps of:
- dip coating a removable mandrel to form a tubular inner layer on the mandrel;
coating the tubular inner layer with a tie layer;
positioning at least one axially extending tensile strength enhancing filament over the tie layer and extending proximally along the catheter to less than about 40 cm from the distal end;
applying a helical coil to the outside of the filament and the tie layer;
positioning a plurality of tubular segments on the helical coil;
the plurality of segments having durometers that decrease in a distal direction;
heating the tubular segments to form the flexible distal zone on the neurovascular catheter; and
removing the mandrel.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method of making a high flexibility distal zone on a neurovascular catheter is provided. The method includes the steps of dip coating a removable mandrel to form a tubular inner layer on the mandrel, coating the tubular inner layer with a soft tie layer, applying a helical coil to the outside of the tie layer, positioning a plurality of tubular segments on the helical coil, heating the tubular segments to form the high flexibility distal zone on the neurovascular catheter; and removing the mandrel. The plurality of segments have durometers that decrease in a distal direction. The flexural load profile of the catheter as a function of catheter length is configured to provide enhanced distal flexibility while maintaining high backup support.
28 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of making a flexible distal zone on a neurovascular catheter, having an elongate tubular body with a distal end, comprising the steps of:
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dip coating a removable mandrel to form a tubular inner layer on the mandrel; coating the tubular inner layer with a tie layer; positioning at least one axially extending tensile strength enhancing filament over the tie layer and extending proximally along the catheter to less than about 40 cm from the distal end; applying a helical coil to the outside of the filament and the tie layer; positioning a plurality of tubular segments on the helical coil;
the plurality of segments having durometers that decrease in a distal direction;heating the tubular segments to form the flexible distal zone on the neurovascular catheter; and removing the mandrel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17)
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14. (canceled)
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18. (canceled)
Specification