Patent ID: 6106540
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A resiliently flexible dilator for a bodily vessel, the dilator tapering towards one end to facilitate insertion of the dilator into the vessel and having a transition zone having a first end proximate the said one end and a second end distal the said one end, the physical properties of the dilator in the transition zone being such that the flexibility of the dilator at the second end of the transition zone is less than the flexibility of the dilator at the first end of the transition zone;wherein the transition zone of the dilator comprises at least one of no more than half the length of the dilator, and no more than one quarter of the length of the dilator;wherein the flexibility of the transition zone is gradually decreasing between its first and its second end and wherein the flexibility of the dilator apart from the transition zone has a substantially constant flexibility and further comprises an elastomeric material; and,wherein the change in flexibility of the transition zone of the dilator is provided by an increase in cross-linking of the elastomeric material comprising the transition zone away from its first end.