Flexible hollow lumen composite

Abstract

A composite lumen includes a braided structure infused with an impermeable elastic sealer. The braided structure has an inner diameter of 3 mm or less and a braid angle greater than 100°. The braided structure also has a wall thickness to inner diameter ratio greater than 0.02, picks per inch from between about 25 and about 135, and a number of ends between about 12 and about 48, with a braid pattern that is selected from 1×1, 2×2, or 2×1 and with an effective yarn denier (yarn denier×ply number) greater than 45.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A composite lumen comprising a braided structure infused with an impermeable elastic sealer, the braided structure having an inner diameter of 3 mm or less and having a braid angle greater than 100°, a wall thickness to inner diameter ratio greater than 0.02, picks per inch (PPI) from between about 25 and about 135, number of ends between about 12 and about 48, with a braid pattern that is selected from 1×1, 2×2, or 2×1 and with an effective yarn denier (yarn denier×ply number) greater than 45. 
     
     
         2 . The composite lumen of  claim 1  having a braid angle in the range of 110° to 135°, a wall thickness to inner diameter ratio in the range of 0.03 to 0.07, PPI in the range of 50 to 120, 24 ends, a 1×1 braid pattern, and effective yarn denier in the range of 180 to 360.