Abstract: A catheter includes a manifold and a proximal shaft portion coupled to the manifold. A distal shaft portion is coupled to a distal end of the proximal shaft portion and is flexible relative to the proximal shaft portion. A fiber reinforcement layer is disposed about the distal shaft portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catheters for use in the medical arts, and more particularly relates to such catheters having a reinforcing filament associated therewith. The catheters according to the present invention provide an improved reinforced catheter having enhanced torque characteristics.

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: A guiding catheter for use in coronary angioplasty and other cardiovascular interventions which incorporates a plurality of segment of selected flexural modulus in the shaft of the device. The segments which have a different flexibility than the sections immediately proximal and distal to them, creating zones in the catheter shaft which are either more or less flexible than other zones of the shaft. The flexibility and length of the shaft in a given zone is then matched to its clinical function and role. A mid-shaft zone is significantly softer than a proximal shaft or distal secondary curve to better traverse the aortic arch shape without storing too much energy. A secondary zone section is designed to have maximum stiffness to provide optimum backup support and stability.

Abstract: Reinforced, cuffed tubes are made by winding a plastic reinforcing filament around the outside of tubing and then applying a flexible layer on top of the tubing to just cover the filament and form a smooth outer surface. The filament is then removed from regions of the tubing using a pick to form a series of reinforced regions and unreinforced regions along the tubing. A second layer is then coextruded over the reinforced and unreinforced regions, which includes a longitudinal lumen. The tubing is cut into tubes midway along the unreinforced regions so that there is an unreinforced region at both ends of the tubes. An inflatable cuff is attached to each tube opening into the lumen in the second layer.

Abstract: A torquable guiding catheter for use in mapping the wall of a heart of the patient with a mapping catheter having a distal extremity and a mapping device carried by the distal extremity and carrying a plurality of electrodes for engaging the wall of the heart. The basket-like device is movable between expanded and contracted positions and in a contracted position having an outside diameter no greater than a predetermined diameter. The torquable guiding catheter comprises a flexible elongate braided shaft assembly having proximal and distal extremities and having a smooth outer surface and also having a smooth inner surface defining a lumen extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. The flexible elongate braided shaft assembly includes a braid formed of flat metal ribbon extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity and having plastic covering the braid having a Shore hardness durometer ranging from 55D to 75D.

Abstract: This is a balloon catheter having braided layer which extends generally from the proximal end of the catheter to a location distal of the balloon. In particular, it is desirable that the shaft of the catheter proximal of the balloon be stiffest at the proximal section and least stiff just proximal of the balloon. Although the catheter may be a single lumen catheter using some type of a core wire to act as a valve for inflation and deflation of the balloon, it is within the scope of the invention to include either a separate inflation/deflation lumen or one incorporated into the various concentric polymeric layers used to make up the proximal shaft. Particularly preferred is the use of an elastic, compliant balloon.