Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for substantially continuously forming thin-walled sleeves that may be incorporated into tubular devices sized for introduction into a patient. In one embodiment, a pair of sheets including coated surfaces oriented towards one another are directed through a cutting apparatus to cut the sheets into multiple pairs of strips. The pairs of strips are bonded together to create a plurality of sleeves having lumens defined by the coated surfaces. In another embodiment, a sheet having a coated surface is fed through a cutting tool to separate the sheet into a plurality of strips, and the strips are formed into sleeves, e.g., by feeding the strips through a die or mandrel using a substantially continuous process. Optionally, the sleeves may be subsequently cut into individual tubular devices and/or further processed, e.g., by providing one or more layers around the sleeves to create catheters, sheaths, or other apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for substantially continuously forming thin-walled sleeves that may be incorporated into tubular devices sized for introduction into a patient. In one embodiment, a pair of sheets including coated surfaces oriented towards one another are directed through a cutting apparatus to cut the sheets into multiple pairs of strips. The pairs of strips are bonded together to create a plurality of sleeves having lumens defined by the coated surfaces. In another embodiment, a sheet having a coated surface is fed through a cutting tool to separate the sheet into a plurality of strips, and the strips are formed into sleeves, e.g., by feeding the strips through a die or mandrel using a substantially continuous process. Optionally, the sleeves may be subsequently cut into individual tubular devices and/or further processed, e.g., by providing one or more layers around the sleeves to create catheters, sheaths, or other apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for substantially continuously forming thin-walled sleeves that may be incorporated into tubular devices sized for introduction into a patient. In one embodiment, a pair of sheets including coated surfaces oriented towards one another are directed through a cutting apparatus to cut the sheets into multiple pairs of strips. The pairs of strips are bonded together to create a plurality of sleeves having lumens defined by the coated surfaces. In another embodiment, a sheet having a coated surface is fed through a cutting tool to separate the sheet into a plurality of strips, and the strips are formed into sleeves, e.g., by feeding the strips through a die or mandrel using a substantially continuous process. Optionally, the sleeves may be subsequently cut into individual tubular devices and/or further processed, e.g., by providing one or more layers around the sleeves to create catheters, sheaths, or other apparatus.

Abstract: Coated devices for introduction into bodies and methods for making and using them are provided, such as delivery sheaths, guidewire lumen cores, and elongate leads. In one embodiment, a tubular device includes a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a body lumen, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The tubular device includes a relatively thin inner polyurethane liner including a coating on an inner surface thereof, e.g., providing a lubricious and/or hydrophilic lumen, and an outer layer surrounding the liner. In another embodiment, a lead is provided that includes a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one electrode on the distal end. A polyurethane cover surrounds at least a portion of an outer surface of the lead that include a coating, e.g., including a lubricious and/or hydrophilic material. Optionally, the cover may be removable from around the lead body.

Abstract: A method for making a tubular device includes coating a first surface of a thin sheet, rolling the sheet such that side edges of the sheet are disposed adjacent one another with the coating disposed inwardly, creating a longitudinal seam along the side edges to create a sleeve, and attaching a tubular structure around the sleeve. In another embodiment, the method includes coating a first surface of a thin sheet, wrapping the sheet partially around a mandrel with the coating disposed inwardly, positioning a slotted tube around the sheet and mandrel, attaching the tube to the thin, and trimming any excess material of the sheet. In another embodiment, the method includes coating an outer surface of a thin sleeve, inverting the sleeve, and attaching a tubular structure around the inverted sleeve, thereby providing a tubular device including a lubricious, hydrophilic, and/or otherwise coated inner surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for substantially continuously forming thin-walled sleeves that may be incorporated into tubular devices sized for introduction into a patient. In one embodiment, a pair of sheets including coated surfaces oriented towards one another are directed through a cutting apparatus to cut the sheets into multiple pairs of strips. The pairs of strips are bonded together to create a plurality of sleeves having lumens defined by the coated surfaces. In another embodiment, a sheet having a coated surface is fed through a cutting tool to separate the sheet into a plurality of strips, and the strips are formed into sleeves, e.g., by feeding the strips through a die or mandrel using a substantially continuous process. Optionally, the sleeves may be subsequently cut into individual tubular devices and/or further processed, e.g., by providing one or more layers around the sleeves to create catheters, sheaths, or other apparatus.