Polymer shrink tubes and novel uses therefor
View Patent ↗Novel polymer shrink tubes, such as fluoropolymer shrink tubes and novel uses thereof. The polymer shrink tubes include at least one three-dimensional pattern formed along at least a portion of the inner surface of the tube. The polymer shrink tubes can be used for, for example, embossing a pattern into a polymer tube. Further use includes, for example, forming a catheter with at least one channel located in the catheter wall.
1. A method of creating an external embossed pattern on the exterior of a cylindrical device comprising:
providing a polymer tube having at least an exterior surface;
providing a shrink tube having an inner and an outer surface, the inner surface having a three-dimensional pattern thereon;
placing the shrink tube around the polymer tube;
applying sufficient energy to the shrink tube so as to shrink the shrink tube around the exterior of the polymer tube, causing at least a portion of the three-dimensional pattern to become embossed into the exterior surface of the polymer tube.
2. The methods of claim 1 , wherein the polymer tube is placed over a mandrel prior to applying energy to the shrink tube.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising removing the shrink tube from the polymer tube, leaving a cylindrical device with an embossed pattern therein.
4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising providing sufficient energy to cause the polymer tube to flow.
5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the embossed pattern increases the outer surface area of the cylindrical device.
6. The method of claim 3 , wherein the three-dimensional pattern comprises at least one rib extending along the inner surface of the shrink tube, whereby a channel is formed along the cylindrical device complementary to the rib.
7. The method of claim 3 , wherein the cylindrical device is a catheter having a length and wherein the three-dimensional pattern provides a channel that extends for at least a portion of a length of the catheter.
8. The method of claim 7 , further comprising providing a polymer film to cover at least a portion of the channel.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the polymer film is in the form of tape wrapped about at least a portion of the catheter.