US Patent 7597830 Method of forming catheter distal tip

Catheters such as guide catheters can include a reinforcing braid layer and distal tips in which the reinforcing braid layer does not extend into the distal tip. Such catheters can be formed via a process in which a first polymer segment is secured over a braid layer. The braid layer can be cut through at a cutting position that is proximate a distal end of the first polymer segment and the braid layer extending distally of the cutting position is removed. A second polymer segment that extends over the first polymer segment and that extends distally of the cutting position is secured over the braid layer.