Abstract: A catheter for use in vasculature or other lumen within body structures includes a shaft formed from an elongated polymeric flexible tube. A metallic tube may be bound to the distal end of this tube. A thinner, more flexible tube may be attached to the distal end of a metallic tube. The two plastic tubes, together with any metallic tube define a lumen for providing communication with an angioplasty balloon or with a body lumen at the distal end of the catheter. A catheter may include a core member to facilitate moving the catheter through a lumen, and to reduce the likelihood that the catheter will kink or bend improperly. This metallic core member extends from the hub to some point distal on the catheter, and may extend to the distal tip of the catheter. The distal end of a catheter balloon may be secured to the core member during manufacture of the catheter.

Abstract: Devices and methods for managing a portion of an intravascular catheter which is extending from the body of a patient under operating room conditions (e.g., while a physician is wearing surgical gloves). A catheter in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a catheter shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a keeper fixed to the catheter proximate a proximal end thereof The keeper includes one or more inside surfaces defining a channel which is adapted to entrap a straight portion of the catheter shaft. The keeper also includes a passageway which is adapted to allow a curved portion of the catheter to pass into the channel of the keeper.