abstract |
There is disclosed herein a tube of material ( 1 ) having a seam ( 12 ) extending between a proximal end and a distal end, two edges ( 10 a , 10 b ) of the material meeting and at least partially overlapping along the seam ( 12 ) and being sewn together at the seam by stitches ( 21, 22, 24 ) of relatively flexible thread ( 20 ), the thread of one or more of the stitches ( 22, 24 ) passing from a first side ( 12 a ) of the overlapped edges ( 10 a , 10 b ) of material, through both layers of overlapped material, crossing a relatively rigid member ( 30 ) which is disposed on a second, opposite side ( 12 b ) of the overlapped edges of material, and passing back to the first side ( 12 a ). There is further disclosed an implant delivery catheter ( 40 ) incorporating the tube of material ( 1 ), and associated methods for its manufacture. |