Abstract: The present invention relates generally to catheters for performing medical procedures including percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. More particularly, the present invention relates to guide catheters, diagnostic catheters and balloon catheters with an improved shaft design. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a catheter shaft comprising an elongate support member having an outer surface, the elongate support member preferably defining a lubricious liner; a first layer disposed over the lubricious liner, a second layer disposed over the first layer, a third layer disposed over the second layer, a fourth layer disposed over the third layer, and a fifth layer disposed over the fourth layer. In preferred embodiments, the first and third layers comprise an ultraviolet-curable epoxy which is cured to desired degrees at select axial locations on the shaft to provide desired stiffness.

Abstract: A catheter can be formed from an elongate shaft and a distal tip. The catheter can be formed by flaring a proximal end of the distal tip to form a flared proximal end and positioning the distal tip such that the flared proximal end of the distal tip overlaps a distal end of the outer layer. Heat and pressure are applied to melt and flow together a portion of the outer layer proximate the distal end of the shaft and the overlapped portion of the flared proximal end of the distal tip, thereby forming a joint between the elongate shaft and the distal tip.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to catheters for performing medical procedures including percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. More particularly, the present invention relates to guide catheters, diagnostic catheters and balloon catheters with an improved shaft design. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a catheter shaft comprising an elongate support member having an outer surface, the elongate support member preferably defining a lubricious liner; a first layer disposed over the lubricious liner, a second layer disposed over the first layer, a third layer disposed over the second layer, a fourth layer disposed over the third layer, and a fifth layer disposed over the fourth layer. In preferred embodiments, the first and third layers comprise an ultraviolet-curable epoxy which is cured to desired degrees at select axial locations on the shaft to provide desired stiffness.

Abstract: A catheter can be formed from an elongate shaft and a distal tip. The catheter can be formed by flaring a proximal end of the distal tip to form a flared proximal end and positioning the distal tip such that the flared proximal end of the distal tip overlaps a distal end of the outer layer. Heat and pressure are applied to melt and flow together a portion of the outer layer proximate the distal end of the shaft and the overlapped portion of the flared proximal end of the distal tip, thereby forming a joint between the elongate shaft and the distal tip.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter having a multi-layered distal tip including an inner layer, an intermediate layer and an outer layer wherein the intermediate layer is formed of a polymeric material loaded with a high percentage of radiopaque agent, and the inner and outer layers are formed of readily bondable materials which substantially cover the intermediate layer to thereby increase surface area contact and bond strength therebetween.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter having an elongate shaft that is entirely non-magnetically responsive and at least partially radiopaque, including a reinforcement layer. The reinforcement layer may comprise a non-magnetically responsive radiopaque metal, such as a multi-strand Tungsten braid. The improved shaft of the present invention is compatible with x-ray and MRI visualization techniques, and may be incorporated into a wide variety of intravascular catheters such as guide catheters, diagnostic catheters, balloon catheters, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to catheters for performing medical procedures including percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. More particularly, the present invention relates to guide catheters, diagnostic catheters and balloon catheters with an improved shaft design. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a catheter shaft comprising an elongate support member having an outer surface, the elongate support member preferably defining a lubricious liner; a first layer disposed over the lubricious liner, a second layer disposed over the first layer, a third layer disposed over the second layer, a fourth layer disposed over the third layer, and a fifth layer disposed over the fourth layer. In preferred embodiments, the first and third layers comprise an ultraviolet-curable epoxy which is cured to desired degrees at select axial locations on the shaft to provide desired stiffness.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter having a multi-layered distal tip including an inner layer, an intermediate layer and an outer layer wherein the intermediate layer is formed of a polymeric material loaded with a high percentage of radiopaque agent, and the inner and outer layers are formed of readily bondable materials which substantially cover the intermediate layer to thereby increase surface area contact and bond strength therebetween.

Abstract: A thin-walled reinforced catheter shaft having polymers that are reinforced with a variable wire size radiopaque braid which maintains the thin-wall of the shaft while providing improved properties in terms of radiopacity, kink resistance, tortional rigidity, column strength and burst strength.

Abstract: A guiding catheter or angiographic catheter for use in cardiovascular interventions which incorporates a low-flexibility multi-layer proximal zone wherein a transition zone separates the proximal zone and a high flexibility distal zone. A mid-region zone transitions the high stiffness of the proximal zone to the higher flexibility of the distal zone to eliminate buckling and kinking. All zones of the catheter have a sufficiently large and substantially similar radiopacity, which allows the entirety of the catheter to be visible in a fluoroscope or other form of x-ray so that the positioning of the catheter can be precisely determined.

Abstract: A guiding catheter or angiographic catheter and method of manufacture for use in cardiovascular interventions which incorporates an annealed low-flexibility proximal zone wherein a transition zone separates the proximal zone and a high-flexibility distal zone. The catheter is subjected to a slicking operation to improve the smoothness of the high flexibility distal zone in order to better traverse the aortic arch shape while reducing excess energy storage. The proximal zone is annealed to provide a high level of stiffness for optimal support and pushability. A mid-region zone transitions the high stiffness of the proximal zone to the higher flexibility of the distal zone to eliminate buckling and kinking.

Abstract: Radiopaque catheter and method of manufacture thereof having a first layer and a second layer in a coaxial arrangement wherein each of the layers has a radiopaque filler material intermixed therewith. The radiopaque filler materials and/or the concentrations thereof may be the same or different for each of the layers. Further, the plastic binder material used for each of the layers may be the same or different. By selecting a high concentration of a highly radiopaque filler material for an inner layer and a lower concentration of a radiopaque filler that is selected to provide a relatively smooth surface, the X-ray visibility of the catheter may be maximized while still maintaining a relative smooth outer surface.

Abstract: Process for forming a dimensionally variable tubular member for use in catheterization procedures. The process includes a mechanism for extruding a tubular member. A variable speed puller pulls the tubular member through or from the extrusion means at a selectively variable speed. A variable air or gas pressure supply supplies pressurized air or gas to the extrusion mechanism at a selectively variable rate. The dimensionally varying tubular member may be cut to desired lengths for use as catheter shafts or catheter soft tips. The process may include forming a tubular member having a dimensionally varying first layer and a dimensionally varying second layer, wherein a portion of the first layer at a distal end of the tubular member is removed.

Abstract: Process for forming a dimensionally variable tubular member for use in catheterization procedures. The process includes a mechanism for extruding a tubular member. A variable speed puller pulls the tubular member through or from the extrusion means at a selectively variable speed. A variable air or gas pressure supply supplies pressurized air or gas to the extrusion mechanism at a selectively variable rate. The dimensionally varying tubular member may be cut to desired lengths for use as catheter shafts or catheter soft tips. The process may include forming a tubular member having a dimensionally varying first layer and a dimensionally varying second layer, wherein a portion of the first layer at a distal end of the tubular member is removed.

Abstract: An intravascular guide catheter includes a main shaft member, a bond member, an intermediate shaft member and a terminal shaft member. The main shaft has a proximal end and a mating distal end. The bond ring includes a mating proximal end, which is joined to the mating distal end of the main shaft member, and a mating distal end. The intermediate shaft member includes a mating proximal end, which is joined to the mating distal end of the bond member, and a mating distal end. The terminal shaft member includes a mating proximal end, which is joined to the mating distal end of the intermediate member, and a distal end. The main and intermediate shaft members have wire braiding reinforcing layers. The material of the intermediate shaft member has a greater hardness than the material of the terminal shaft member and a lower hardness than the material of the main shaft member.

Abstract: A guide catheter in which the components of the hub include a ratchet mechanism that is operative to lock the hub components together and compress an integral flange of the catheter shaft therebetween to form a seal between the hub and catheter shaft without the use of bonding agents that will not become loosened accidently or inadvertently.

Abstract: A method for forming a guide catheter with a deformable tip includes setting a mating distal end of a tubular member against a mating proximal end of a soft, deformable tip to form a butt joint. The butt joint is then softened to render the mating proximal and distal ends of the deformable tip and tubular member flowable. The tubular member and the deformable tip are then oscillated along a longitudinal axis such that the materials of the mating proximal and distal ends flow into one another creating a connection zone. The connection zone then solidifies to form a lap joint tip bond that securely fastens the deformable tip to the tubular member.