Patent ID: 8043256
Filing Date: 2011-10-25
Classification: A61M,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A rapid exchange balloon catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, said catheter comprising: a tubular metal shaft body extending from the proximal end along a majority of the total length and having an inflation lumen arranged therein, the metal body comprising an integral transitional region at a distal end region of the metal body, a plastics distal end portion comprising a proximal portion bonded onto the transitional region of the metal body and the plastics distal end portion comprising a distal portion extending distal to the metal body, said plastics distal end portion being provided with an inflation lumen in communication with a balloon, and a guide wire lumen, said guide wire lumen extending from a proximal side port of said plastics distal end portion to a distal end opening, wherein the transitional region has reduced stiffness at a region of bonding of the proximal portion of the plastics distal end portion onto the transitional region compared to a more proximal position along the metal body, the stiffness is defined as bending stiffness and the transitional region has been subjected to heat treatment to reduce the bending stiffness of the transitional region compared to the more proximal position.