Importance

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Abstract

A catheter includes an elongate body defining a core wire having a projection extending radially outwardly adjacent a distal end. The projection may be an enlarged diameter portion of the core wire integrally formed with the core wire. A coil spring covers the distal end and has a proximal end engaging the projection. A tube, such as a tubular portion or leg of a balloon, has a distal end fusibly sealed to the proximal end of the coil spring. Because the coil spring is mechanically secured to the core wire, no solder is needed. In addition, the distal end of the tube further includes heat fused portions thereof filling interstices between adjacent coils of the coil spring and the core wire. The distal end of the tube is fusibly sealed to the coil spring so that adjacent coils of the coil spring are movable relative to one another to define a flexible tip portion for the catheter having substantially uniform flexibility. A method for making the catheter is also disclosed.

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First Claim