Braided Catheter

Braided Catheter

Processing Methods of Braided Catheters

1.Material Selection:

1. • Polymers: Commonly used materials include Nylon, Polyurethane, Polyethylene, and PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone).
   • Metal Wires: Stainless steel, Nitinol, or other metal alloys are used for the braiding process to provide strength and flexibility.

2. Braiding Process:

   • Braiding Equipment: Specialized braiding machines weave the metal wires around the polymer tubing. The braiding pattern (e.g., biaxial or triaxial) can be adjusted based on the desired mechanical properties.
   • Mandrels: These are used to maintain the catheter’s internal diameter and shape during braiding.

3. Extrusion:

   • Co-extrusion: This involves extruding multiple layers of polymer material, which can encapsulate the braided structure.
   • Over-Extrusion: A polymer layer is extruded over the braided structure to provide a smooth surface.
   • Reflow:Through reflow, a gradual change in the hardness of the catheter can be achieved.

4. Heat Treatment:

   • Annealing: This process is used to relieve internal stresses in the metal braids and improve flexibility.
   • Sterilization: Methods such as gamma irradiation or ethylene oxide sterilization are used to ensure the catheter is sterile for medical use.

5. Quality Control:

   • Inspection: Visual and microscopic inspections are carried out to check for defects.
   • Testing: Mechanical tests (e.g., tensile strength, flexibility, kink resistance) and biocompatibility tests are performed to ensure the catheter meets regulatory standards.

Applications of Braided Catheters

1. Cardiovascular Procedures:

   • Angioplasty: Braided catheters are used to navigate through blood vessels and deliver stents to treat blockages.
   • Electrophysiology: Used in procedures like ablation to treat arrhythmias.

2. Neurovascular Interventions:

   • Embolization: Catheters deliver embolic agents to treat aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations.
   • Thrombectomy: Removing clots from the brain in stroke patients.

3. Gastrointestinal Procedures:

   • Endoscopy: Braided catheters provide flexibility and control for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
   • Stent Placement: Used to place stents in bile ducts or other gastrointestinal pathways.

4. Urological Procedures:

   • Stone Retrieval: Catheters help in the retrieval of kidney stones.
   • Stent Placement: To maintain ureteral patency.

5. Peripheral Vascular Procedures:

   • Angiography: Used for diagnostic imaging of peripheral blood vessels.
   • Atherectomy: Removal of plaque from peripheral arteries.

6. Oncology:

   • Catheter-Based Drug Delivery: Direct delivery of chemotherapy drugs to tumors.

Why Choose Micro-tube As Your Polymer Solutions Provider?

Micro-tube specializes in extrusion tubes for various polymers.

Micro-tube’ history and reputation of partnering with manufacturers and research and development groups is long well-recognized. Today, companies – whether well-established or start-up – know that when they come to us, we deliver! Micro-tube can assist with process development, design challenges, materials guidance, prototype development, to quality support. We have our own certified testing and analytical laboratories with an extensive range of materials science capabilities. We take your reputation as seriously as you do! No other company delivers the consistency, dependability, and unparalleled innovation of Micro-tube.

Micro-tube Capabilities

>Inner diameter range: 0.0059″~0.3937″ / 0.15~10.0mm
>Outer diameter range: 0.0079″~0.4724″ / 0.20~12.00mm
>Length: Customized
>Braiding Patterns: 1*1， 1*2， 2*2
>Accuracy: Max ±0.01mm
>Color: Transparent or customized
>Radiologic: Pure, BaSO4,Wi, Bi2O3