Attachment joints with polymer encapsulation
AssigneeEndoBionics, Inc.
InventorsKirk Patrick Seward, Isidro M. Gandionco
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Abstract
Tubular catheters having two or more axially adjacent segments are reinforced by encapsulation in a polymeric layer which provides enhanced tensile strength. Exemplary polymers include parylene, silicone, PTFE, PVDF and the like. The layers are preferably vapor coated to thicknesses of 100 μm or below. Specific rapid exchange and needle injection embodiments are illustrated.
Claims55
A catheter comprising:
- a tubular catheter body comprising at least two axially adjacent segments composed of materials having different mechanical properties;
- and
- an encapsulation layer covering a junction region where the two segments meet, wherein the encapsulation layer has a tensile strength of at least 10 MPa.
A rapid exchange catheter comprising:
- a catheter body;
- and
- a tip disposed of a distal end of the catheter body, wherein the tip has a guidewire lumen having a length of 5 cm or less;
- wherein the tip is joined to the catheter body by an encapsulation layer having a tensile strength of at least 10 MPa.
A needle injection catheter comprising:
- a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end;
- a needle reciprocatably disposed in the catheter body near the distal end;
- and
- wherein a guidewire lumen is disposed in the distal end of the catheter body distally of the needle.
A method for fabricating an elongate catheter having at least two segments adjacent in an axial direction composed of polymeric materials having different mechanical properties, said method comprising;
- encapsulating a joint region where said two adjacent segments meet with a layer of material having a tensile strength in the axial direction of at least 10 MPa.
A method for fabricating an elongate catheter having at least two regions adjacent in an axial direction composed of polymeric materials having different mechanical properties, said method comprising:
- vapor depositing a polymeric layer over a joint region where said two adjacent regions meet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.