Abstract: A protective sleeve for a catheter assembly comprising a tubular member composed of a first material. The first material having a first predetermined modulus of elasticity. The tubular member having at least one stripe of a second material engaged thereto. The second material having a greater modulus of elasticity than the first material. The tubular member having a loading state and being crimpable to a reduced state. In the loading state the tubular member being sized to disposingly engage the balloon of a catheter assembly wherein the balloon has a first diameter. When the tubular member is in the reduced state the tubular member is disposingly and retainingly engaged to the balloon. When the tubular member is in the reduced state the balloon has a second diameter which is less than the first diameter.