An example medical device includes a balloon that is inflatable to an inflated configuration. The balloon includes a non-compliant layer coextruded on an inner layer, and an outer layer coextruded on the non-compliant layer. The non-compliant layer is configured to delaminate from the inner and the outer layers in the inflated configuration. The non-compliant layer may be configured to rupture in the inflated configuration. An example technique includes inflating the balloon to a predetermined pressure sufficient to rupture the non-compliant layer and insufficient to rupture both the inner and outer layers. The example technique further includes deflating the balloon, and introducing the balloon into a vasculature. Another example technique includes coextruding a non-compliant layer on an inner layer, coextruding an outer layer on the non-compliant layer, and forming a balloon from the inner layer, the non-compliant layer, and the outer layer.

The disclosure relates to forming shaped thermoplastic articles having smooth peripheries. Many thermoplastic articles have sharp edges formed upon molding or cutting the article from a feedstock sheet. Such sharp edges can damage thin plastic films or flesh which they contact, and smoothing the edges is desirable. Described herein are methods of forming a smooth periphery for such sharp-edged articles by rolling over the sharp edge. The smoothing operation is performed by forming a deflectable flange including a bend region separated from the potentially sharp peripheral edge by a spacer, deflecting a portion of the deflectable flange, and softening at least one bent portion of the deflectable flange to yield a smooth periphery upon cooling. A liner sheet may be attached to the feedstock sheet prior to, during, or after forming and can be peelable therefrom.

Disclosed herein are dual ovenable, high-hermecticity sealable films for packaging uses, such as form-fill-and-seal packages (e.g., bags). The films disclosed herein can have hermetic seal characteristics and hot tack strength at elevated temperatures for cooking and/or reheating operations. The films disclosed herein can be made comprising a heat stable base layer (e.g., a cast, monoaxially oriented, or biaxially oriented polypropylene, polyester, or polyamide film); a heat sealable layer; and/or a lap sealable layer.

Devices and methods for providing a kink resistant peel away sheath are disclosed. One device includes a sheath for insertion into a vasculature of a patient. The sheath comprises a sheath body having an outer surface, a longitudinal axis and a lumen formed therethrough. The sheath body comprises an inner layer arranged about the longitudinal axis, an outer layer coaxially arranged with the inner layer, and a support layer positioned between the inner and outer layers, wherein the inner, outer and support layers are laminated together to form the sheath body. The sheath also comprises at least one shear line positioned beneath the outer surface of the sheath body, and configured to facilitate the longitudinal separation of the sheath body along the at least one shear line.

The disclosure relates to forming shaped thermoplastic articles having smooth peripheries. Many thermoplastic articles have sharp edges formed upon molding or cutting the article from a feedstock sheet. Such sharp edges can damage thin plastic films or flesh which they contact, and smoothing the edges is desirable. Described herein are methods of forming a smooth periphery for such sharp-edged articles by rolling over the sharp edge. The smoothing operation is performed by forming a deflectable flange including a bend region separated from the potentially sharp peripheral edge by a spacer, deflecting a portion of the deflectable flange, and softening at least one bent portion of the deflectable flange to yield a smooth periphery upon cooling.

A formulation for producing a polymeric material including high-density polyethylene, a chemical blowing agent, and other optional components is described.

A catheter shaft is produced by forming a first polymeric layer onto a flexible inner core while maintaining the inner core in a solid state, and solidifying the first polymeric layer, wherein the solidified first polymeric layer fails to bond with the inner core and is slidable thereon upon flexion of the shaft. A second polymeric layer may be formed over the first polymeric layer, and is slidable thereon when the shaft bends.

The present invention provides methods of preparing peelable seal layers, methods of preparing multilayer films, peelable seal layers made therefrom, and multilayer films made therefrom. In one aspect, a method of preparing a peelable seal layer comprises (a) providing a first blend comprising (i) from 5 to 98 percent by weight of a reactor grade propylene based plastomer or elastomer having a molecular weight distribution of less than 3.5 and a density of less than 0.89 g/cc and (ii) from 2 to 95 percent by weight of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polybutylene, and styrenic polymer and mixtures thereof; (b) providing at least one linear low density polyethylene; (c) blending the first blend with the at least one linear low density polyethylene to obtain a second blend; and (d) extruding the second blend to form a peelable seal layer, wherein the peelable seal layer has a heat seal initiation temperature less than 120? C. when sealed at a bar pressure of 40 psi with a dwell time of 0.5 seconds.

A formulation for producing a polymeric material including high-density polyethylene, a chemical blowing agent, and other optional components is described.

A formulation for producing a polymeric material including high-density polyethylene, a chemical blowing agent, and other optional components is described.