Abstract: A process for making a reinforced tubular product, especially a catheter, in a single extrusion step. A reinforcing member is applied to an extruded thermoplastic catheter body of about its finished size which is softened by heating while tensioning the reinforcing member to control the surface deformation or penetration of the catheter wall by the reinforcing member to produce an irregular surface contour on the catheter body. The catheter body is then smoothed in a sizing die burying the reinforcement to form the finished product. The heating step may be in addition to or substituted by a curing step when a thermosetting or cross-linking material is used for the body. The reinforcement may be braid, or a helical wrap of one or more members applied at one or more controlled angles relative to the axis of the catheter to control the apparent stiffness and torque transmission efficiency of the catheter.

Abstract: A process for making a reinforced tubular product, especially a catheter, in a single extrusion step. A reinforcing member is applied to an extruded thermoplastic catheter body of about its finished size which is softened by heating while tensioning the reinforcing member to control the surface deformation or penetration of the catheter wall by the reinforcing member to produce an irregular surface contour on the catheter body. The catheter body is then smoothed in a sizing die burying the reinforcement to form the finished product. The heating step may be in addition to or substituted by a curing step when a thermosetting or cross-linking material is used for the body. The reinforcement may be braid, or a helical wrap of one or more members applied at one or more controlled angles relative to the axis of the catheter to control the apparent stiffness and torque transmission efficiency of the catheter.

Abstract: An ultra small diameter reinforced catheter or tubular product is produced by winding reinforcing stands on the surface of a plastic tube and introducing the same into a heated die which compresses the strands against the tubing and at the same time heats and softens superficial portions of the tubing wall with simultaneously applying both conductive and radiant heat. This allows the strands to sink into the tubing wall. Following this, the compression and the conductive heating a removed while the tubing continues to be exposed to radiant heat from the die. During this last stage, the tension in the strands induces the strands to assume a predetermined position between the inner and outer surfaces of the tubing.

Abstract: Method of making a catheter having an irregular outer diameter and/or an irregular inner diameter caused by embedment of a reinforcing member, thereby reducing sliding friction compared to conventional smooth-wall catheters.