Intravascular catheter with composite reinforcement

US6508805B1 · kind B1 · 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: Oct 10, 2000
• Grant date: Jan 21, 2003
• Expiry date: Apr 7, 2021

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.