Patent ID: 7641757
Filing Date: 2010-01-05
Classification: A61M,B29C,B29D,B29K,B29L

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a tubular body for a catheter, sheath or lead without a mandrel, the tubular body being configured for insertion into the body lumen of a patient during a medical procedure, the method comprising: extruding a polymer core having a core wall with an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface, a first lumen, and a second lumen, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the core wall defines a first lumen and the second lumen is disposed between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface, wherein the core wall, first lumen, and second lumen are integrally formed when extruding the polymer core, and wherein the first lumen and the second lumen extend longitudinally through a radial thickness of the core wall; forming a first layer and subsequently placing the first layer over an outer circumferential surface of the extruded polymer core; and bonding the first layer to the circumferential surface of the extruded polymer core via a reflow process, wherein the first and second lumen are mandrel free and a temperature of the reflow process is below a softening point of the polymer core to maintain a collapse free first and a second lumen.