Patent ID: 7354430

Claim:
A support member for use in a catheter shaft, comprising: an inner member having an outer surface; a first layer comprising ultraviolet-curable epoxy disposed over at least a portion of the outer surface of the inner member, wherein at least a first portion of the first layer has been irradiated with ultraviolet light to alter the stiffness of the support member and wherein a second portion of the first layer has been irradiated to a lesser degree; a second layer disposed over at least a portion of the first layer; a third layer comprising ultraviolet-curable epoxy disposed over at least a portion of the second layer, wherein at least a portion of the third layer has been irradiated with ultraviolet light to alter the stiffness of the support member; a fourth layer disposed over at least a portion of the third layer; and a fifth layer disposed over at least a portion of the fourth layer.