Inflatable member formed of liquid crystal polymeric material blend

摘要

A catheter having an inflatable member formed of a liquid crystal polymeric material. The inflatable member is formed from a blend of a minor amount, preferably less than 10%, of liquid crystal polymer with a major amount of a non-liquid crystal polymer having LCP fibers that are highly oriented in the machine direction. The aspect ratio of the liquid crystal polymeric material fibers is greater than 10, so that the polymer blend has mechanical characteristics similar to a fiber-reinforced composite with improved strength and optimal compliance.