Composite flexible tube for medical applications
First Claim
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1. A flexible composite tube for medical applications, comprising:
- a tubular braid adapted to transfer a torque along the longitudinal axis, wherein the tubular braid is made of at least first and second intertwined wire elements adapted to slidably stretch and contract, wherein the first intertwined wire element intersects the second intertwined wire element at an intersection point and the first and second intertwined wire elements are adapted to slide past one another at the intersection point; and
at least one continuous helical coil disposed longitudinally along the tube, adapted to limit radial movement of the tubular braid;
wherein the tube further comprises a tube-like elastic layer, wherein the tubular braid is partially embedded in the elastic layer, the tube-like elastic layer forming a composite element with the tubular braid to partially restrict relative movement of the wire elements.
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Abstract
A flexible composite tube for medical applications is described. The tube has the ability to transmit a torque and to resist compression, tension, and kinking. The tube is also very flexible in bending, and has a small wall thickness. Different layers are used to obtain the desired properties. Torsional stiffness is obtained by embedding a braid in an elastomeric material. Resistance to kinks and to compression and tension is obtained by placing coils radially inward or outward of the braid. Smooth plastic layers are used to seal the assembly, and facilitate sliding in a body cavity.
48 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A flexible composite tube for medical applications, comprising:
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a tubular braid adapted to transfer a torque along the longitudinal axis, wherein the tubular braid is made of at least first and second intertwined wire elements adapted to slidably stretch and contract, wherein the first intertwined wire element intersects the second intertwined wire element at an intersection point and the first and second intertwined wire elements are adapted to slide past one another at the intersection point; and at least one continuous helical coil disposed longitudinally along the tube, adapted to limit radial movement of the tubular braid; wherein the tube further comprises a tube-like elastic layer, wherein the tubular braid is partially embedded in the elastic layer, the tube-like elastic layer forming a composite element with the tubular braid to partially restrict relative movement of the wire elements. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification