Systems, methods and apparatus for guiding and supporting catheters and methods of manufacture

Abstract

A device for guiding and supporting a stent delivery catheter and other catheters is disclosed. The device may comprise a tubular guiding member and an elongated positioning member extending in a proximal direction beyond the tubular guiding member for advancing and retracting the tubular guiding member in distal and proximal directions. A distal portion of the elongate positioning member may be coupled to the proximal portion of the tubular guide. In embodiments, the device includes a ribbon having a distal portion and a proximal portion. In embodiments, the distal portion of the ribbon extends distally into the tubular guiding member and the proximal portion of the ribbon overlays an inner surface of the elongate positioning member. Methods for making medical devices and portions of medical devices (e.g., intravascular catheters, catheter shafts, and tubular guiding members) are also provided. Example methods may include providing a first ribbon comprising one or more thermoplastic materials and a piece of shrink tubing defining a shrink tube lumen and forming a first assembly by positioning the first ribbon inside the shrink tube lumen and urging the first ribbon to assume a tubular shape in which the first ribbon defines a ribbon lumen. A second assembly may be formed by loading an inner tubular member over a mandrel and forming or placing a support structure over an outer surface of the inner tubular member. A third assembly may be formed by inserting the second assembly into the ribbon lumen defined by the first ribbon of the first assembly. The third assembly may be heated to a process temperature.