Patent ID: 6548010
Filing Date: 2003-04-15
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A method of bonding tubular members, the method comprising the steps of;providing a first generally tubular member having a bonding portion disposed proximate a bonding end thereof, an ancillary end, and a lumen extending therethrough; the first tubular member including a support member encased in a substrate material; the support member having a plurality of filaments; providing a second generally tubular member having a bonding portion disposed proximate a bonding end thereof, an ancillary end, and a lumen extending therethrough; stripping a portion of the substrate material of the first tubular member from the filaments of the support member of the first tubular member proximate the bonding portion thereof to create a plurality of exposed filaments; dividing the exposed filaments into a first group and a second group; forming a first array comprising the exposed filaments of the first group; forming a second array comprising the exposed filaments of the second group; inserting the first array into the lumen of the first tubular member; inserting the second array into the lumen of the second tubular member; positioning the bonding portion of the first tubular member proximate the bonding portion of the second tubular member; and heating the bonding portion of the first tubular member and the bonding portion of the second tubular member to form a bond therebetween.