CATHETER AND MANIFOLD ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF

摘要

In accordance with the present invention, a manifold includes a manifold body having a longitudinal passage and proximal and distal port openings. The distal port opening is secured by molding to an inflation tube that defines an inflation lumen. An obliquely extending inflation leg has an inflation passage extending from a balloon inflation port at the end of the leg into communication with the inflation tube lumen. A plug cap having a longitudinal throughbore is secured within the proximal port opening. An inner guidewire tube is coaxially positioned within the outer tube and extends into the longitudinal passage of the manifold body. The tube is secured by molding to the plug cap. A flexible polymer strain relief is molded over the distal portion of the manifold body. A portion of the strain relief tapers inward and extends over the outer tube distally of the distal port opening to allow bending and flexing of the tubes adjacent the manifold distal end without kinking of the tubes. The strain relief is preferably molded over a majority of the surface of the manifold body and a majority of the surface of the inflation leg.