| abstract |
The present invention relates generally to catheters for performing medical procedures including percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Moreover, the present invention relates to catheters with improved shaft designs, particularly improved flexibility, pushability, torquability, and limited kinking. A catheter shaft, comprising an elongate support member, a longitudinal axis, a sheath disposed about the elongate support member, and at least one gap along the longitudinal axis is disclosed. The gap defines a first edge and a second edge. The gap may comprise a variable taper. Alternately, a first projection extends from the first edge and a second projection extends from the second edge. The projections may comprise interlocking rounded projections, non-interlocking projections, interlocking projections, modified projections of differing shapes, and combinations thereof. |