Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

In a method of forming a catheter having an inner layer, an intermediate braided layer and an outer jacket, wherein the intermediate braided layer terminates axially before the inner layer, leaving a forward end portion of the inner layer exposed, the steps of: a) before applying the outer jacket, loading a plastic sleeve over a forward end of the intermediate braided layer adjacent the forward end portion of the inner layer; b) heating the plastic sleeve to a temperature sufficient to melt the plastic sleeve; c) loading a terminal tip having an axial length over a forward end portion of the inner layer into abutting relationship with the forward end of the intermediate braided layer such that the terminal tip is supported by the forward end portion of the inner layer along all of the axial length of the terminal tip and not reinforced anywhere along the axial length by the intermediate braided layer; d) loading the outer jacket over the braided layer; e) loading a shrink tube over the outer jacket; and f) heating to cause the shrink tube to compress the outer jacket into the interstices of the intermediate braided layer.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim