Abstract: Various embodiments of devices and systems comprising a polymer driveshaft for use in high-speed rotational medical procedures, e.g., atherectomy, are disclosed. Generally, the primary driveshaft for transferring torque and activating rotation of a tool attached thereto, e.g., an abrasive element, is constructed with at least a polymer outer and inner surface. In certain embodiments, the polymer driveshaft may comprise a metallic band for fixed attachment of a structure, e.g., an abrasive element, thereto. Various embodiments may comprise a coupler that connects a drive shaft connected with a prime mover, e.g., a turbine or electric motor, with the polymer drive shaft, the coupler comprising openings through the coupler wall to the inner diameter of the coupler to allow fluid flow to the inner diameter of the coupled polymer drive shaft.

Abstract: A catheter may include an elongate body including a proximal portion including a proximal end, and a distal tip portion. The distal tip portion may include an inner liner and a marker band circumferentially surrounding the inner liner. The distal tip portion also may include an outer jacket circumferentially surrounding a first portion of the inner liner and ending proximal of a proximal end of the marker band; and a tip outer jacket circumferentially surrounding a second portion of the inner liner and the marker band. The tip outer jacket extends distally past the marker band distal end to a distal tip of the elongate body, and a proximal end of the tip outer jacket may be laterally adjacent to a distal end of the outer jacket.

Abstract: Example medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device includes an elongate member having a proximal end region, a distal end region and an outer surface. The medical device also includes a plurality of filaments braided together in a first braided pattern along a first braided region of the elongate member, wherein the plurality of filaments extend continuously to a second braided region along the elongate member, wherein the plurality of filaments along the second braided region form a second braided pattern different from the first braided pattern.

Abstract: This application describes a braided cord containing a braided sheath and optionally a core surrounded by the braided sheath. The braided cord has changing cross-sectional area ranging from 0.0004 mm2 to 30 mm2 and contains one or more sections having a tapering angle ranging from 1° to 60° when observed in one direction along the cord axis. The change in the cross-sectional area of the cord can be achieved by changing the thickness of the braided sheath and/or changing the cross-sectional area of the core when the core is present. The thickness of the braided sheath can be adjusted by changing the size and/or twist level of one or more sheath strands, changing the pick count of the braided sheath, and/or using one or more shaped sheath strands. This application also describes a process of producing the braided cord with changing cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A bi-directional steerable catheter adapted for delivery into a patient's vasculature. The pull wires which are used to tension the deflectable segment of the steerable catheter are wound in parallel around the axis of the steerable catheter on opposite sides of the steerable catheter.

Abstract: A microcatheter comprising an inner layer, a strike layer and an outer layer and a braided skeleton located between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein the inner layer is made of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and has a thickness of 0.0015 inch or less, wherein the strike layer includes a polyether block amide and has a thickness of 0.001 inch or less, and wherein a distal portion of said outer layer is made of polycarbonate-based thermoplastic polyurethane having a shore of 90A or below.

Abstract: Stent delivery systems and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example stent delivery system may include an inner member. A deployment sheath may be disposed about the inner member. A stent may be disposed between the inner member and the deployment sheath. The deployment sheath may include a translucent reinforcing member that allows for visualization of the stent during stent deployment.

Abstract: Tubular devices are provided that include a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a patient's body, a central lumen, a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends adjacent the central lumen, reinforcement members including windings extending helically around the central lumen, and an outer jacket. The tubular device includes a first portion in which the conductor extends helically around the central lumen, and a second portion in which the conductor extends longitudinally and either a) all of the windings surround the central lumen and the conductor remains outside the windings, b) at least some of the windings pass between the central lumen and the conductor and at least some of the windings surround both the central lumen and the conductor, and c) all of the windings surround both the central lumen and the conductor. Methods for making such tubular devices are also provided.

Abstract: A neurovascular catheter has enhanced tensile strength to resist distal tip detachment during proximal retraction past an obstruction. The catheter includes an elongated flexible tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end and a side wall defining a central lumen. A radiopaque marker is provided adjacent to the distal end. The tensile support extends axially inside the side wall and is attached to the radiopaque marker, to tether the marker to the catheter body. In one implementation, the tensile support may at least partially wrap around the marker. The marker may have a tubular sidewall with a feature to increase compressibility, such as at least one compression gap in a proximal portion of the side wall.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon comprises a base balloon including a pair of spaced-apart, generally conical end sections and a generally cylindrical center section connected therebetween. A braided fabric sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the base balloon, wherein the sleeve is formed of at least three substantially inelastic fibers intertwined in such a way that no two of the three fibers are twisted exclusively around one another. The sleeve is permanently affixed to the outer surface of the base balloon so as to prevent excessive expansion of the base balloon when the base balloon is internally pressurized.

Abstract: A ureteral catheter for placement in a kidney, renal pelvis, and/or in a ureter adjacent to the renal pelvis of a patient, includes: an elongated tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the tube defining at least one drainage lumen extending through the tube; and an expandable retention portion configured to transition from a retracted position to a deployed position and which, in the deployed position, defines a three-dimensional shape positioned to maintain fluid flow from the kidney through at least the distal end of the tube.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that help deliver catheters or other medical devices to locations within a patient's body. The device includes a transporter catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, at least a first balloon located at the distal end, substantially at a tip of the transporter catheter, and at least a second balloon located between the distal end and the proximal end of the transporter catheter. The first balloon is an orienting balloon and the second balloon is an anchor balloon. The transporter catheter may include a single lumen or more than one lumen. The transporter catheter may include a shaft including an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer may be made of a material more flexible than the material of the outer layer. The outer layer may also include a braided-wire assembly, said braided-wire assembly being formed by braiding a plurality of flat wires or circular wires. The braided-wire assembly may wrap around the inner layer.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that help deliver catheters or other medical devices to locations within a patient's body. The device includes a transporter catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, at least a first balloon located at the distal end, substantially at a tip of the transporter catheter, and at least a second balloon located between the distal end and the proximal end of the transporter catheter. The first balloon is an orienting balloon and the second balloon is an anchor balloon. The transporter catheter may include a single lumen or more than one lumen. The transporter catheter may have a shaft including an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer may be made of a material more flexible than the material of the outer layer. The outer layer may also include a braided wire assembly, said braided wire assembly being formed by braiding a plurality of flat wires or circular wires. The braided wire assembly may wrap around the inner layer.

Abstract: A steerable introducer has a proximal end and a distal end, and includes a steerable sheath having a proximal end and a distal end. The steerable sheath includes an outer layer extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the steerable sheath, and an inner liner disposed within the outer layer and extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the steerable sheath. A first pair of pull wires is disposed between the inner liner and the outer layer, and extends from the proximal end to the distal end of the steerable sheath. A second pair of pull wires is disposed between the inner liner and the outer layer and extends from the proximal end to the distal end of the steerable sheath.

Abstract: A ureteral catheter for placement in a kidney, renal pelvis, and/or in a ureter adjacent to the renal pelvis of a patient, includes: an elongated tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the tube defining at least one drainage lumen extending through the tube; and an expandable retention portion configured to transition from a retracted position to a deployed position and which, in the deployed position, defines a three-dimensional shape positioned to maintain fluid flow from the kidney through at least the distal end of the tube.

Abstract: An electrical lead for a catheter includes an elongate member of non-conductive material having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The elongate member further includes a tubular member of non-conductive material, a braid of conductive material applied over the tubular member, an intermediate layer of non-conductive material applied over the braid, a plurality of electrical conductors extending from the proximal end to the distal end laid on the intermediate layer, and an outer layer of non-conductive material applied over the electrical conductors to cover the conductors. At least one electrode is arranged on the outer surface of the elongate member in electrical communication with at least one of the plurality of electrical conductors through the outer layer. The braid underlies the at least one electrode but is insulated from the at least one electrode by the intermediate non-conductive layer.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that help deliver catheters or other medical devices to locations within a patient's body. The device comprises a transporter catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, at least a first balloon located at the distal end, substantially at a tip of the transporter catheter, and at least a second balloon located between the distal end and the proximal end of the transporter catheter. The first balloon is an orienting balloon and the second balloon is an anchor balloon. The transporter catheter may include a single lumen or more than one lumen. The transporter catheter may include a shaft comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer may be made of a material more flexible than the material of the outer layer. The outer layer may also comprise a braided-wire assembly, said braided-wire assembly being formed by braiding a plurality of flat wires or circular wires. The braided-wire assembly may wrap around the inner layer.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that help deliver catheters or other medical devices to locations within a patient's body. The device includes a transporter catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, at least a first balloon located at the distal end, substantially at a tip of the transporter catheter, and at least a second balloon located between the distal end and the proximal end of the transporter catheter. The first balloon is an orienting balloon and the second balloon is an anchor balloon. The transporter catheter may include a single lumen or more than one lumen. The transporter catheter may include a shaft including an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer may be made of a material more flexible than the material of the outer layer. The outer layer may also include a braided-wire assembly, said braided-wire assembly being formed by braiding a plurality of flat wires or circular wires. The braided-wire assembly may wrap around the inner layer.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that help deliver catheters or other medical devices to locations within a patient's body. The device comprises a transporter catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, at least a first balloon located at the distal end, substantially at a tip of the transporter catheter, and at least a second balloon located between the distal end and the proximal end of the transporter catheter. The first balloon is an orienting balloon and the second balloon is an anchor balloon. The transporter catheter may include a single lumen or more than one lumen. The transporter catheter may include a shaft comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer may be made of a material more flexible than the material of the outer layer. The outer layer may also comprise a braided wire assembly, said braided wire assembly being formed by braiding a plurality of flat wires or circular wires. The braided wire assembly may wrap around the inner layer.

Abstract: A method may include accessing an artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject, and advancing a microcatheter along the accessed artery so as to align a distal end of the microcatheter with an ostium of the ophthalmic artery, wherein the microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein. In addition, the method includes proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration, and cannulating the ostium with the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sheath configured to be at least partially inserted into a body of a patient, the sheath having a distal end and a proximal end; a housing coupled to the proximal end of the sheath; and a control mechanism operably coupled to the housing and slidable to move the sheath relative to the housing. The control mechanism includes a locking mechanism for locking the control mechanism in place relative to the housing; a deflection mechanism for articulating a distal end of the sheath; and a saddle slidable relative to the locking mechanism and the deflection mechanism. A device is coupled to the saddle and is extendable from and retractable within the sheath.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a catheter assembly generally includes providing a catheter shaft having an outer layer and an inner reinforcing layer; removing at least a portion of the outer layer from a length of the distal end of the catheter shaft in order to expose a distal segment thereof; providing an inner jacket segment; axially engaging the inner jacket segment with an interior surface of the distal segment of the catheter shaft; providing an outer jacket segment around at least the exposed exterior region of the distal segment of the catheter shaft; and bonding the distal segment of the catheter shaft to the inner jacket segment and the outer jacket segment.

Abstract: Catheters, sheaths, or other tubular devices are provided that include a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a patient's body, and a steerable distal portion carrying a plurality of electrodes. The tubular device includes a primary lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends; a steering element lumen adjacent the primary lumen; a plurality of wires extending proximally from the electrodes, and reinforcement members including windings extending helically along at least the distal portion, at least some of the windings passing between the primary and steering element lumens and wires, and at least some of the windings surrounding the primary lumen and one or both of the steering element lumen and the wires. In one embodiment, a steering element is slidably disposed within the auxiliary lumen. Apparatus and methods for making such tubular devices are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein is a hose, wherein the hose has a length having a distal end and a proximal end, and an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The hose is comprised of a first layer; and a second layer, wherein the first layer and the second layer extend along at least a portion of the length and wherein a longitudinal compressive force applied to either the distal end or the proximal end of the hose causes the first layer to lock against the second layer.

Abstract: Ureteral access sheaths can have a nonuniform axial-stiffness. A nonuniform axial-stiffness ureteral access sheath can have an inner liner defining a longitudinally extending and generally uniform bore. A non-uniform axial-stiffness outer jacket can define a longitudinally tapered outer surface, and a reinforcement layer can be encapsulated between the inner liner and the non-uniform axial-stiffness outer jacket. The reinforcement layer can have a non-uniform axial-stiffness. For example, a proximal portion of the reinforcement layer can be thicker than a distal portion of the reinforcement layer. A coil of wire can be included in the reinforcement layer, and a diameter of the wire in a proximal portion of the reinforcement layer can be larger than a diameter of the wire in a distal portion of the reinforcement layer. In some instances, the diameter of the wire tapers from the proximal portion to the distal portion.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for delivering a lead or other instrument into a patient's body using a tubular device including a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a body lumen, and a lumen extending therebetween, thereby defining a longitudinal axis. The tubular device includes a sidewall surrounding the lumen including a reinforcing layer embedded in one or more layers of base material, and a slittable seam in the sidewall extending from the proximal end partially towards the distal end substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. In addition, slitter devices are for slitting, splitting, or opening the slittable seam. Methods are also provided for making catheters or other tubular devices including slittable, e.g., re-welded longitudinal seams that may be preferentially slit, split, or otherwise opened.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for accessing body lumens and/or for delivering instruments into body lumens, e.g., vessels within a patient's vasculature. A flexible sheath is provided that is expandable from a contracted condition to an enlarged condition wherein the sheath at least partially defines a lumen therein. The sheath is lubricious and has a relatively thin wall, thereby providing a collapsible/expandable guide for delivering fluids and/or instruments through tortuous anatomy and/or into relatively narrow passages. The sheath is advanced from an entry site to a body lumen in the contracted condition. Once the sheath reaches a target body lumen, the sheath is expanded to the enlarged condition, thereby defining a lumen within the sheath, and fluids and/or instruments are introduced into the body lumen via the sheath lumen. Upon completing the procedure, the sheath is removed from the body lumen.

Abstract: A catheter includes an electromechanical polymer (EMP) actuator disposed in a steerable tip at the distal end of the catheter. When activated, the EMP actuator deflects the steerable tip through an angle between 0 and 270 degrees, thus permitting the operator to steer the steerable tip through the vasculature. The steerable tip also has at least a first relatively stiff region and a second relatively flexible region, and the EMP actuator is provided next to the first relatively stiff region so that the steerable tip may toward the flexible region when activated. In one implementation, an external interface allows a user to select by name one of many sets of control signals, with each set of control signals being signals calibrated for configuring the catheter to mimic a known catheter.

Abstract: A delivery device for deploying an expandable prosthesis and method of use thereof are described. The delivery device includes an outer sheath that is capable of retracting in a proximal direction and resheathing over the prosthesis in a distal direction. The device includes a drive pulley that can engage gears to retract or resheath the outer catheter in relation to the prosthesis. In some embodiments, the delivery device may include a reinforced outer sheath disposed over an inner elongate member, the reinforced outer sheath comprising a proximal section reinforced with a braid, a distal section reinforced with a coil and an overlapping section extending between the proximal section and the distal section. Additionally or alternatively, the delivery device may include a stabilizing element for releasably holding the stent to the inner catheter.

Abstract: A catheter includes an inner layer, and a braid provided on an outer periphery of the inner layer. The braid includes a first wire and a second wire that are woven together. The catheter further includes a tip provided on a distal end of the inner layer and a distal end of the braid. A residual portion having a sharp shape formed at a distal end of the first wire when the first wire is cut is not left untreated, but is formed into a bulging portion.

Abstract: Catheters, sheaths, or other tubular devices are provided that include a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a patient's body, and a steerable distal portion. The tubular device includes a primary lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends; an auxiliary lumen adjacent the primary lumen; and one or more reinforcement members including windings extending helically along at least the distal portion, at least some of the windings passing between the primary and steering element lumens and at least some of the windings surrounding both the primary and steering element lumens. In one embodiment, a steering element is slidably disposed within the auxiliary lumen. Apparatus and methods for making such tubular devices are also provided.

Abstract: A catheter sheath for an irrigation catheter comprises an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. At least one electrode is arranged on the elongate member. A plurality of elongate elements are contained in the elongate member, the elongate elements comprising at least one electrical conductor and at least one element of a non-conductive material arranged adjacent the at least one electrical conductor to form at least one non-conductive region associated with the elongate member. At least one passage extends through a wall of the elongate member to intersect the non-conductive region and to be in communication with the lumen of the elongate member. The at least one passage has an outlet opening in, or adjacent, the at least one electrode.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of methods of forming a tapering distal tip for a catheter. An exemplary method includes providing a mandrel and a holding hypotube, placing a tip first material with a first outer diameter over the mandrel and the hypotube, placing a tip second material with a second outer diameter over the mandrel and under the first material, placing a shrink tube of heat-shrink material around at least a junction of the first material and second material, heating the shrink tube, cooling the first material and second material, and removing the shrink tube and the hypotube. The first outer diameter is greater than the second outer diameter.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon comprises a base balloon including a pair of spaced-apart, generally conical end sections and a generally cylindrical center section connected therebetween. A braided fabric sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the base balloon, wherein the sleeve is formed of at least three substantially inelastic fibers intertwined in such a way that no two of the three fibers are twisted exclusively around one another. The sleeve is permanently affixed to the outer surface of the base balloon so as to prevent excessive expansion of the base balloon when the base balloon is internally pressurized.

Abstract: A dual braided catheter shaft includes an inner helical braid and outer helical braid than encapsulate an axially extending steering wire there between. In one embodiment, the shaft includes an inner polymer jacket, an inner braid formed on the inner jacket, a steering wire disposed along an outside surface of the inner braid, an outer braid formed over the inner braid and steering wire assembly and an outer jacket formed on the outer braid. The braiding parameters of the inner and outer braids can be varied along the length of the catheter to provide varying mechanical properties.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a kink-resistant tube having drainage holes is provided. A wire is coated with plastic material and wound around a mandrel forming a plurality of windings. The wound coated wire is heated until the plastic coating material melts and bonds the wire windings to form a wire-reinforced sheath having wire-containing sections and non-wire containing sections. Alternatively, a coated or non-coated wire is wound around a mandrel together with separate polymer filament material and then heated. A filament having an elongated cross-section may be employed with the major axis of the elongated cross-section substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sheath. At least one non-wire containing section is identified by passing light through at least one wall of the wire-reinforced sheath. Image capture and analysis via an optical system and microprocessor automatically identify regions to target a drill for forming holes in the non-wire containing sections.

Abstract: A body of a catheter includes an inner layer, a braid, and an outer layer. The braid includes first and second wires. The first and second wires can be joined together such that the distal end portion of the first wire winds itself around a side surface of the second wire. A joint includes a first joint portion positioned at the intersection point, a second joint portion positioned beyond the first wire in a width direction of the first wire, and a third joint portion positioned beyond the second wire in a width direction of the second wire. Thus, even when the first and second wires have small thicknesses for size reduction of the braid, the first and second wires can be joined together with high joint strength by increasing the area of the second joint portion or the thickness of the third joint portion.

Abstract: Distal access balloon guide catheter system and methods for delivering implantable devices, catheters, or substances in or near and/or restoring flow through body lumens, such as blood vessel lumens, or inflating balloons affixed to the distal end of the guide catheter system are described. A Distal access balloon guide catheter having a proximal region, an optional medial region of intermediate flexibility, and distal region possessing high flexibility, high resistance to kinking and a large lumen to wall thickness ratio. The balloon is inflated by means of a kink-resistant secondary lumen embedded within the walls of the balloon guide catheter system tubing.

Abstract: Steerable medical delivery devices and their methods of use.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an outer shaft comprising a first section of electroactive polymer. The first section of electroactive polymer affecting either the flexibility of the catheter or the steerability of the catheter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a catheter, comprising: a lumen having a distal end and a proximal end; one or more marker bands circumferentially arranged around the lumen; a support structure extending from the proximal end of the lumen to the most distal marker band; and a top jacket positioned annularly with respect to the lumen, comprising five durometers of material, wherein the support structure and top jacket alternate along the length of the catheter.

Abstract: The application relates to a tube for being introduced into an object. The tube (1), which is preferentially a catheter, comprises a tube-like braid (2) made from electrically conductive strands (3), wherein ends (4) of the strands (3) are staggered in the longitudinal direction of the tube (1). Since the ends of the strands are staggered in the longitudinal direction of the tube, local radio frequency heat generated during a magnetic resonance imaging procedure is not concentrated at a single longitudinal location, but distributed along a staggered region in the longitudinal direction of the tube, in which the ends of the electrically conductive strands are staggered. This distribution of the radio frequency heat along the longitudinal direction of the tube reduces the maximum temperature produced by radio frequency heating and, thus, the likelihood of damaging the object, in which the tube is to be introduced, due to heat.

Abstract: Catheters, sheaths, or other tubular devices are provided that include a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a patient's body, and a steerable distal portion. The tubular device includes a primary lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends; an auxiliary lumen adjacent the primary lumen; and one or more reinforcement members including windings extending helically along at least the distal portion, at least some of the windings passing between the primary and steering element lumens and at least some of the windings surrounding both the primary and steering element lumens. In one embodiment, a steering element is slidably disposed within the auxiliary lumen. Apparatus and methods for making such tubular devices are also provided.

Abstract: A catheter includes a braid assembly having a dual-laminate coating. The braid assembly includes a plurality of braid members interwoven to provide for interstices between the braid members, each braid member having an electrically conductive element, a flexible non-electrically-conductive polymer coating that insulates the electrically conductive element and a thermoplastic bonding adhesive coating. The braid assembly is formed between an inner polymer layer and an outer polymer layer. One or more of the braid members may be coupled to an energy delivery element.

Abstract: A catheter includes an inner layer, a braid, an outer layer, and a distal tip. A recessed region having a first side and a second side is formed in a distal end portion of the braid, a length of the first side being longer than the sum of a wire width of a first wire and a distance between two adjacent first wires, a length of the second side being longer than the sum of a wire width of a second wire and a distance between two adjacent second wires. The distal tip is bonded to the inner layer in the recessed region. By providing the recessed region, the number of peaks formed in the distal end portion of the braid is made smaller than that in the existing case.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes an inner liner made of flexible material and an outer layer having a steering mechanism. The steering mechanism includes at least one flat wire and a corresponding lumen through which the flat wire may travel. The steering mechanism may also include at least one pull ring to which the flat wires are attached. A layer of heat shrink material may encompass the outer layer. A braided wire assembly may also be provided in the outer layer, and may be formed by braiding a plurality of flat wires into a wire mesh. The overall cross-section of the catheter assembly is preferably substantially circular. A catheter shaft may include a plurality of segments of differing hardness characteristics. The outer layer typically comprises a melt processing polymer such that the catheter assembly may be laminated using heat.

Abstract: A catheter with an elastic reinforcement layer allows its catheter tube to expand from a native diameter to an expanded diameter. In this respect, a device or implant with a larger diameter than that of the catheter tube's native diameter size can be passed through the catheter without damage.

Abstract: A catheter has an intermediate layer with a constant thickness in first and second adjacent portion, and the adhesive strength between the intermediate layer and an inner layer is uniform. When the catheter is curved, the movement of a braid caused by the curving of the catheter can be uniformly suppressed within the adjacent first and second portions. Even if, when the catheter is curved, a tensile stress towards a proximal end acts upon a first outer layer at the first portion and a tensile stress towards a distal end acts upon a second outer layer at the adjacent second portion, the first and second outer layers are caught by an uneven contour of the intermediate layer by an anchor effect, so that it is possible to prevent peeling of the first and second outer layers from the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway defining a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The elongate tubular member comprises a relatively stiff proximal section and a relatively flexible distal section. The proximal section includes an inner tubular liner, a first stiffener comprising a metal alloy, and a second stiffener comprising a non-metal alloy. The first and second stiffeners are coaxially wound exterior to the proximal inner liner. The distal section includes a distal inner tubular liner and the second stiffener coaxially wound exterior to the distal inner liner. The first stiffener terminates before reaching the distal section.

Abstract: A catheter includes an inner layer, and a braid provided on an outer periphery of the inner layer. The braid includes a first wire and a second wire that are woven together. The catheter further includes a tip provided on a distal end of the inner layer and a distal end of the braid. A residual portion having a sharp shape formed at a distal end of the first wire when the first wire is cut is not left untreated, but is formed into a bulging portion.