Catheter having plurality of stiffening members

摘要

The invention includes a catheter having an elongate main body having a proximal section and a distal section. The elongate main body further includes a plurality of stiffening members disposed along the length of the elongate main body. At least one stiffening member includes a plurality of clusters including helical turns or rotations disposed circumferentially about a tubular member and along the length of the cluster. The clusters can be configured to vary flexibility along the length of the tubular member. The catheter can include a sheath having a stationary section and a retractable section.