Guiding catheter having shape-retentive distal end

Abstract

A guiding catheter has a proximal portion constructed of a tubular braid and a shape-retentive distal portion including a superelastic hypotube cut to define particular mating, support, shape-retentive and flexibility characteristics. A tubular liner extends through both of the tubular braid and the hypotube. The hypotube is joined to the braid using a mechanical interlock that has high torque transfer from the braid to the hypotube. A short portion of high stiffness polymer tube is provided at a joint between the braid and the hypotube. A polymeric outer jacket is provided over the proximal and distal portions, including the polymer tube. The jacket is heat set over the hypotube to remove residual stress.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.