Source:http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/medicaldevicesafety/tipsarticles/catheter.gif

The Catheter assembly mainly consists of adapters, catheter cuff, catheter (as shown above) and guide wire (not shown). The catheter plays a very important role in the field of cardiovascular medical devices. It is the first devices that makes contact with the disesease tissue inside the body in case of aneurysms. The most important function of this device is to be able to provide an uninterrupted passage-way for the surgeons to be able to reach the deep inside the body, to treat diseases by different types of surgeries. It is also the most important tool in minimally invasive surgeries.

The catheter should have a very smooth and flexible surface so that while it is being manuvered into the patient body, it does not cause any damage to its immediate surroundings.