Flexible microcatheter

摘要

Flexible microcatheter having regions of different flexibility integrally and strategically placed along and about the length of a one-piece composite catheter tube. Distally the flexible microcatheter exhibits pronounced flexibility with respect to locations or regions of flexibility located proximally for navigation along tortuous vascular paths. Different regions of flexibility are formed by applying resins of different Shore hardness readings either singularly or in combination along and about a braid which overlies an inner resin layer. The encapsulated braid provides resistance to kinking and bending of the flexible microcatheter as well as providing for torque transmission and pushability along the length of the flexible microcatheter.