Patent ID: 6508804
Filing Date: 2003-01-21
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A catheter comprising:an inner tubular member having an outer surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therethrough; a support member overlaying the inner tubular member and conforming to the outer surface thereof, the support member having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, each portion having a distal end and a proximal end; a radiopaque ring disposed about the outer surface of the inner tubular member and positioned proximate the distal end thereof; the first portion of the support member comprising a single layer arranged with a plurality of turns, the turns being disposed at a first pitch; the distal end of the first portion of the support member being disposed proximate the radiopaque ring; a distal portion of the at least one filament being disposed between the inner tubular member and the radiopaque ring; the distal end of the second portion of the support member being disposed proximate the proximal end of the first portion of the support member; the second portion of the support member comprising a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer, each layer comprising a plurality of turns formed by the at least one filament; wherein the second layer of the second portion of the support member overlays the first layer thereof, and the third layer of the second portion of the support member overlays the second layer thereof; the turns of the second portion of the support member being disposed at a second pitch; the third portion of the support member comprising a single layer arranged with a plurality of turns; the turns of the third portion of the support member being disposed at a third pitch; the distal end of the third portion of the support member being disposed proximate the proximal end the second portion of the support member; an outer layer overlaying and bonded to both the support member, and the inner tubular member; the outer layer including a proximal portion, a middle portion, and a distal portion, each portion having at least one outer diameter; the middle portion of the outer layer including a first outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the proximal portion, a second outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the distal portion, and a taper extending between the first outer diameter and the second outer diameter; and the outer diameter of the proximal portion of the outer layer being larger than the outer diameter of the distal portion of the outer layer.