Method of making fiber-reinforced catheter introducer
AssigneeCordis Corporation
InventorsErnesto Avellanet, Michael L. O'Hara
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An intravascular catheter introducer which comprises a tubular sheath having a distal end, for extending through the skin of a patient and into the vascular system. The sheath defines a lumen for receiving a catheter. A hub is carried on the proximal end of the sheath. The hub defines a bore communicating between the lumen and the exterior. A catheter-penetratable seal is carried in the bore, with the sheath carrying an embedded tubular reinforcing strand member along at least a majority of its length. Thus improved kink resistance is provided. Also, improved frictional characteristics are provided when the tubular sheath comprises polytetrafluoroethylene.
Claims2
A method of making an intravascular catheter sheath introducer, which comprises the steps of:
- (a) providing an inner plastic tube;
- (b) providing an outer plastic tube;
- (c) positioning a braided material between said inner plastic tube and said outer plastic tube such that the inner and outer plastic tubes extend distally beyond said braided material;
- (d) heating said inner and outer plastic tubes to form a tubular sheath having an intimately bonded relationship between said inner and outer plastic tubes and said braided material wherein the braided material enlarges a proximal majority portion of the tubular sheath and the distal portion of the tubular sheath is free of the braided material;
- (e) grinding the outer surface of said tubular sheath so that the tubular sheath has a substantially constant outer diameter;
- and
- (f) assembling the tubular sheath and a hub such that the hub is carried on the proximal end of said tubular sheath, said hub defining a bore communicating with the interior of the tubular sheath and having a catheter penetrable sealing valve carried in said bore and a side arm connection communicating with the interior of said tubular sheath.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.