Patent ID: 7736571
Filing Date: 2010-06-15
Classification: A61L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for forming a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end comprising the steps of: providing a fluoropolymer tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface defining a longitudinally extending, generally central lumen, and an outer surface; providing an outer polymer tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface, and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer polymer tube is positioned over the outer surface of the fluoropolymer tube; providing a polymer shrink tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface, and an outer surface, the inner surface having at least one three-dimensional pattern thereon; placing the polymer shrink tube around the outer polymer tube, with the polymer shrink tube inner surface adjacent the outer surface of the outer polymer tube; applying sufficient energy to the shrink tube so as to shrink the shrink tube around the outer polymer tube, causing at least a portion of the at least one three-dimensional pattern to become embossed into the outer polymer tube; removing the polymer shrink tube; and covering at least a portion of the at least one three-dimensional pattern with polymer film.