Patent ID: 7582079
Filing Date: 2009-09-01
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A flexible composite tube for medical applications, comprising: a tubular braid adapted to transfer a torque along the longitudinal axis, wherein the tubular braid is made of at least first and second intertwined wire elements adapted to slidably stretch and contract, wherein the first intertwined wire element intersects the second intertwined wire element at an intersection point and the first and second intertwined wire elements are adapted to slide past one another at the intersection point; and at least one continuous helical coil disposed longitudinally along the tube, adapted to limit radial movement of the tubular braid; wherein the tube further comprises a tube-like elastic layer, wherein the tubular braid is partially embedded in the elastic layer, the tube-like elastic layer forming a composite element with the tubular braid to partially restrict relative movement of the wire elements.