Catheter having a multi-section tubular member and method of making the same

A method of forming a transition region in a catheter shaft, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a first tubular member having an inner layer, an outer layer, and an intermediate layer interposed between the inner and outer layers;
• providing a second tubular member having an inner layer, an outer layer, and an intermediate layer interposed between the inner and outer layers;
• abutting an end surface of the first tubular member and an end surface of the second tubular member in an end-to-end longitudinal orientation;
• sliding a polymeric sleeve comprising a polymeric material having highly oriented molecular chains over the first and second tubular members, such that the sleeve extends over a portion of the first tubular member and a portion of the second tubular member;
• placing a heat shrink tubing over the polymeric sleeve;
• heating the heat shrink tubing, thereby compressing the heat shrink tubing around the polymeric sleeve, wherein the heat shrink tubing applies a compressive force of about 25 grams or more on the sleeve;
• laser bonding the polymeric sleeve to each of the first tubular member and the second tubular member, wherein the abutting end surfaces of the first and second tubular members are not bonded together;
• and
• removing the heat shrink tubing.