Abstract: An introducer may include a layered tubular member having an inner liner including at least one folded portion extending along a distal region of the inner liner in a delivery configuration; a reinforcing member disposed over at least a portion of the inner liner, the reinforcing member including a plurality of longitudinal spines defining a plurality of openings disposed between adjacent longitudinal spines, wherein each folded portion is circumferentially overlapped by one of the plurality of openings; and an outer sheath disposed over the reinforcing member, wherein the outer sheath includes at least one perforation circumferentially overlapping each folded portion; and a tip member fixedly attached to a tapered distal region of the layered tubular member. The inner liner may extend to a distal end of the layered tubular member. At least a portion of each folded portion may terminate proximal of the distal end of the layered tubular member.

Abstract: A medical device configured to be flexible and maintain kink resistance while also reducing strain fractures. The medical device may include an elongate tubular shaft defining a lumen extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion. The elongate tubular shaft may comprise an outer jacket forming an outer surface of the elongate tubular shaft, a support member including at least one filament extending in a helical configuration along at least a portion of the a length of the elongate tubular shaft, and a strain relief layer comprising a material that has a modulus of elasticity less than a modulus of elasticity of the outer jacket, the strain relief layer positioned at least between adjacent windings of the support member. The strain relief layer and the support member may collectively form an inner surface of the elongate tubular shaft.

Abstract: An introducer may include a layered tubular member having an inner liner including at least one folded portion extending along a distal region of the inner liner in a delivery configuration; a reinforcing member disposed over at least a portion of the inner liner, the reinforcing member including a plurality of longitudinal spines defining a plurality of openings disposed between adjacent longitudinal spines, wherein each folded portion is circumferentially overlapped by one of the plurality of openings; and an outer sheath disposed over the reinforcing member, wherein the outer sheath includes at least one perforation circumferentially overlapping each folded portion; and a tip member fixedly attached to a tapered distal region of the layered tubular member. The inner liner may extend to a distal end of the layered tubular member. At least a portion of each folded portion may terminate proximal of the distal end of the layered tubular member.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example method for manufacturing a medical device may include cutting a tubular body into a plurality of ring members. The plurality of ring members may include a first ring member and a second ring member. A connecting member may extend between the first ring member and the second ring member. The method may also include disposing a polymeric member along the plurality of ring members to define a tubular member and articulating the tubular member to break the connecting member.