Patent ID: 8172864

Claim:
A rapid exchange catheter comprising: an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongated shaft including: a hypotube having a proximal end and a distal end; a first midshaft portion including a braided member having a proximal end and a distal end, the first midshaft portion being attached near its proximal end to a location near the distal end of the hypotube; a second midshaft portion having a proximal end, a distal end, and a guidewire entry port, the second midshaft portion being attached near its proximal end to a location near the distal end of the first midshaft portion; wherein the first midshaft portion includes a flared portion and a tab prior to being attached to the second midshaft portion such that when the first midshaft portion and the second midshaft portion are attached, the tab is disposed within a lumen of the second midshaft portion, a first portion of the braided member is disposed radially exterior to an outer surface of the second midshaft portion, and a second portion of the braided member is disposed within the lumen of the second midshaft portion along an interface between the first midshaft portion and the second midshaft portion in which the first midshaft portion overlaps the second midshaft portion; and a distal portion defining a short guidewire lumen and an inflation lumen, the distal portion being attached to the second midshaft portion and extending distally therefrom; a balloon disposed near the distal end of the elongated shaft; and a core wire attached to the hypotube and extending distally of the distal end of the hypotube and across the location at which the proximal end of the first midshaft portion is attached to the distal end of the hypotube.