SWAGED BRAIDED CATHETER AND METHOD OF FABRICATION

摘要

A swaged braided catheter (30) for use in various medical procedures is provided. The swaged braided catheter includes a tubular braid (32) formed from a plurality of braided wire members (38). A plurality of intersections (40) is formed by the braided wire members. The intersections are compressed defining a plurality of flattened regions along the tubular braid. The intersections have a first thickness (dl) before being compressed and a reduced second thickness (t2) after being compressed. The flattened regions with the reduced second thickness provide the swaged braided catheter with a reduced cross-sectional profile, and reduced catheter recoil.