DILATATION CATHETER WITH POLYIMIDE-ENCASED STAINLESS STEEL BRAID PROXIMAL SHAFT

摘要

A dilatation balloon catheter (10) includes a shaft (12) having a proximal outer tube section and a distal outer tube section. The proximal outer tube section (40) is formed from a tubular braid of a stainless steel member, which is encased in a polymer material such as polyimide. The pick count of the braid may be increased along the proximal outer tube section toward its distal end in order to increase flexibility. The distal outer tube section (42) is a tube made of a polymer material, such as a high density polyethylene.