Patent · US Expired

Catheter having improved rapid exchange junction

US6746423B1 · kind B1 · utility

47Cited by
9References
3Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 1, 2001
Grant dateJun 8, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 29, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61M2025/0183
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A balloon catheter, and preferably to a rapid exchange type balloon catheter, having a proximal shaft section, and a distal shaft section with an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member, the outer tubular member having a section which is bonded as by fusing or otherwise bonding. The bonded section extends along a thickened wall portion of the outer tubular member at the rapid exchange junction. A reinforcing member or tube extends within at least a section of the bonded section of the outer tubular member. In one embodiment, the reinforcing tube extends within at least a section of the thickened wall portion of the outer tubular member. The configuration provides a rapid exchange junction with improved kink resistance and flexibility for excellent trackability, and with a minimal decrease in the size of the inflation lumen at the rapid exchange junction for an improved shortened balloon inflation/deflation time.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.