摘要 |
A catheter having a shaft carrying an inflatable retention means such as a Foley indwelling or retention catheter or an endotracheal tube is provided with a retention balloon or bulb comprising thermoplastic elastomer in the form of a sleeve or collar having its margins bonded to the outer surface of the shaft which maintains its inflation and its retention capability for an extended period of time. When the catheter shaft is made of thermoplastic elastomer, the balloon can be heat sealed to the shaft. A one-piece connector including drainage fitting, inflation side arm and safety signal balloon can be bonded to the proximal end of the shaft.
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