Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

Guiding catheter assembly having a first tubular member formed of a material which has a low coefficient of friction and a second tubular member encasing said first tubular member so that the first tubular member fits tightly within said second tubular member. The second tubular member is formed of an irradiated modified polyolefin which is flexible but which has a greater rigidity than the said first tubular member so as to provide the guiding catheter assembly with the desired rigidity to permit manuevering of the same. The combined first and second tubular members have proximal and distal ends with the distal ends having a bend therein permitting engagement in a vascular structure. A fitting is mounted on the proximal ends through which a dilating catheter assembly can be inserted into the guiding catheter assembly. Dilating catheter assembly having first and second tubular members formed of a flexible irradiated modified polyolefin. The first tubular member is encased within said second tubular member. The combined first and second tubular members have proximal and distal ends. The second tubular member has formed therein near the distal end a distensible or inflatable annular portion. The second tubular member has a passage formed therein extending from the proximal end into the inflatable annular portion so that the inflatable annular portion can be inflated and deflated through the passage. Fittings are provided on the proximal ends of the first and second tubular members so that the inflatable annular portion of the second tubular member can be inflated and deflated independently from fluid infusion or pressure measurements through the first tubular member. Method for forming a guiding catheter assembly by providing a first tubular member formed of a material which has a low coefficient of friction. A second tubular member formed of a heat-shrinkable material is provided and the first tubular member is inserted therein. Heat is applied to the irradiated modified polyolefin material to cause it to tightly encase the first tubular member and to provide the first tubular member with additional rigidity to provide a catheter assembly which has sufficient rigidity to permit manuevering of the same.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim