Reinforced catheter body and method for its fabrication
First Claim
1. A catheter comprising a tubular body, wherein at least a portion of the tubular body comprises a helical reinforcement element composed of a first polymeric material embedded in a tubular matrix composed of a second polymeric material which is softer than the first polymeric material, wherein the reinforcement element is fused to the polymeric matrix, wherein the risk of delamination is reduced.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A catheter comprises a tubular body wherein at least a portion of the tubular body includes a helical reinforcement element. Both the tubular body and the helical reinforcement element are composed of polymeric materials, and the reinforcement element is fused to the material of the tubular by applying heat and radially constrictive pressure. In this way, a helical reinforcement element providing significant hoop strength can be embedded within the tubular body with decreased risk of delamination. Optionally, an axial reinforcement element may be embedded within the tubular body between the helical reinforcement element and an outer portion of the tubular body matrix.
245 Citations
46 Claims
- 1. A catheter comprising a tubular body, wherein at least a portion of the tubular body comprises a helical reinforcement element composed of a first polymeric material embedded in a tubular matrix composed of a second polymeric material which is softer than the first polymeric material, wherein the reinforcement element is fused to the polymeric matrix, wherein the risk of delamination is reduced.
- 19. A catheter comprising a tubular body, wherein at least a portion of the tubular body comprises a helical reinforcement element composed of a first polymeric material embedded in a tubular matrix composed of a second polymeric material which is softer than the first polymeric material, wherein the reinforcement element is fused to the polymeric matrix, wherein the first polymeric material and the second polymeric material are the same type of polymer.
- 36. A catheter comprising a tubular body, wherein at least a portion of the tubular body comprises a tubular matrix composed of a polymeric material having a hardness less than 50 D, a helical reinforcement element composed of a polymeric material fused to the tubular body, and an axial reinforcement element disposed axially within said portion, wherein said axial reinforcement element has a high tensile strength and is composed of a material different than that of the helical reinforcement element.
Specification