METHODS OF DIMENSIONALLY STABILIZING A LUMEN OF A MULTI-LUMEN DEVICE DURING MANUFACTURE

摘要

A method of dimensionally stabilizing a lumen of a multi-lumen (12, 14) device during manufacture wherein one or more minor lumens (12) may contain a fluid that maintains patency of the one or more minor lumens (12) without the need for a solid core (16) within. The at least one second lumen tube (18) may be in fluid communication with a fluid source during the manufacturing process, such as during extrusion and/or mesh (20) overlay steps. Preventing collapse of the one or more minor lumens (12) during manufacture using a fluid instead of a solid core (16) allows the lumens (12) to have any of a variety of shapes and configurations that would be difficult, cost prohibitive, or impossible for a solid core (16) to be used. Also, obviating the need for a solid core (16) within one or more lumens (12) reduces cost and production complexity. The fluid may be a non-compressible liquid or a pressurized gas.