| abstract |
Joint assemblies for joining sheaths for use in medical devices are provided, as are methods of manufacturing the joint assemblies. An elongate first sheath has a distal end portion having melt bonding material. A second sheath has first and second end portions, the second end portion having melt bonding material. An outer sleeve body includes proximal and distal engaging portions that have melt bonding materials. The proximal engaging portion is disposed about and melt bonded to the first sheath distal end portion. The distal engaging portion is disposed about and melt bonded to the second sheath proximal end portion. In one embodiment, one or both sheaths have an inner layer, a coiled middle layer optionally stopping short of the joint assembly, and an outer layer that has said melt bonding materials. In one embodiment, the sheaths are used in a rapid insertion catheter delivery system. |