COMPOSITE MATERIAL HAVING A LUBRICOUS SURFACE FOR CATHETER USE

摘要

The present invention relates to a low friction component formed of a polymer matrix having incorporated within the matrix a lubricous fluid for use in an intravascular catheter, particularly a balloon dilatation catheter. The polymer matrix preferably is a thermoplastic polymer, suitable lubricous fluid and a polysiloxane fluid. Typical components made of this low-friction material include the inner or outer tubular members of fixed-wire and over-the-wire dilatation catheters.