Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter and an associated method of forming a port joint for a rapid exchange catheter are disclosed. The catheter includes an elongate shaft, a catheter hub disposed at the proximal end of the elongate shaft, and a guidewire port formed within the elongate shaft at a position distal of the proximal end of the elongate shaft and proximal of the distal end of the elongate shaft. A core wire extends past the guidewire port and includes a distal end region secured to the elongate shaft distal of the guidewire port by virtue of one or more components of the elongate shaft being reflowed around the core wire during manufacture of the rapid exchange catheter.

Abstract: A coupler is for selectively coupling a first bearing ring with a first backing ring or a second bearing ring with a second backing ring and includes a flexible annular body disposeable simultaneously within the first bearing ring and first backing ring or within the second bearing ring and second backing ring. A first bearing projection and a first backing ring projection extend radially from a first circumferential surface and are axially spaced apart and a second bearing projection and a second backing ring projection extend radially from a second circumferential surface and are axially spaced apart. The body is invertible between a first orientation in which the first bearing ring and backing ring projections are disposeable within the first bearing and backing ring openings and a second orientation in which the second bearing ring and backing ring projections are disposeable within the second bearing and backing ring openings.

Abstract: A seal assembly is for sealing a space between an inner surface of an outer member and an outer surface of a shaft within the outer member. The seal assembly includes an annular seal body having first and second axial ends, inner and outer circumferential surfaces, and a seal lip extending radially inwardly from the body and having an inner surface sealingly engageable with the shaft surface. The seal body is sized such that a clearance space is defined between the seal body outer surface and the outer member inner surface and a portion of the body inner surface is engageable with the shaft such that the body is radially displaceable within the clearance space when the shaft displaces radially. A retainer coupled with the outer member has a radial surface and a biasing member biases the seal body toward the retainer radial surface or a radial stop surface.

Abstract: A seal assembly is for sealing a space between an inner surface of an outer member and an outer surface of a shaft within the outer member. The seal assembly includes an annular seal body having first and second axial ends, inner and outer circumferential surfaces, and a seal lip extending radially inwardly from the body and having an inner surface sealingly engageable with the shaft surface. The seal body is sized such that a clearance space is defined between the seal body outer surface and the outer member inner surface and a portion of the body inner surface is engageable with the shaft such that the body is radially displaceable within the clearance space when the shaft displaces radially. A retainer coupled with the outer member has a radial surface and a biasing member biases the seal body toward the retainer radial surface or a radial stop surface.