Multilayered polymer tubing with braided layer and methods of making and using same

Abstract

A multilayered tube is provided comprising an inner layer of a tube comprising a first polymer, a second layer of a tube comprising a braided layer comprising a metal or a second polymer, and a third layer of a tube comprising a polymer, which can be either the first, second, or still another third polymer. The braided tube layer provides mechanical strength and rigidity to the multilayered tube without adversely affecting the desired chemical or other properties of the inner and outer layers of the tube. A catheter is provided comprising such a multilayered tube. A method is provided for using a catheter for medical diagnostic or analysis, wherein the catheter comprises such a multilayered tube. A liquid chromatography system is provided comprising tubing which comprises such a multilayered tube.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A multilayered tube substantially as described above.  
     
     
         2 . A tube according to  claim 1  wherein said tube comprises a braided layer consisting essentially of a material selected from one of the following: aramid fibers, graphite fibers, glass fibers, stainless steel, gold, silver, platinum, and copper.  
     
     
         3 . A catheter comprising a multilayered tube substantially as described above.  
     
     
         4 . Using a catheter for medical diagnostic or analysis, wherein the catheter comprises a multilayered tube substantially as described above.  
     
     
         5 . A liquid chromatography system comprising tubing which comprises a multilayered tube substantially as described above.