Intravascular catheter with composite reinforcement

US6171295A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Scimed Life Systems, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Robert Garabedian · Tyngsborough, US
• John A. Griego · Blackstone, US
• Earl Bardsley · San Clemente, US
• Dean Schaefer · Aliso Viejo, US
• Cang D. Dao · Foxborough, US
• Steven M. Anderson · Shrewsbury, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 20, 1999
• Grant date: Jan 9, 2001
• Expiry date: Jan 20, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M25/0053
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An intravascular catheter that exhibits the combined features of superior flexibility, softness, radiopacity and oval/kink resistance. The catheter includes an elongate shaft having a proximal region, a distal region and a lumen extending therethrough. The proximal region of the shaft includes an inner lubricious polymer layer, a reinforcement layer and an outer layer. The reinforcement layer comprises a braid having one or more metallic members and a plurality of polymer members wherein each polymer member comprises a plurality of monofilaments, preferably formed of LCP. The polymer members of the braid provide improved flexibility and softness in addition to high burst pressure. The metallic member(s) of the braid provide improved radiopacity and oval/kink resistance. The catheter may also include a longitudinal member extending along the reinforcement layer.