this invention is a surgical device . in particular , it is a catheter suitable for accessing a tissue target within the body , typically a target which is accessible through the vascular system . central to the invention is the use of a stiffener ribbon , typically metallic , wound within the catheter body in such a way as to create a catheter having controllable stiffness . the stiffener ribbon is adhesively bonded to a flexible outer tubing member so to produce a thin wall catheter section which is exceptionally flexible but highly kink resistant . the catheter sections made according to this invention may be used in conjunction with other catheter sections either using the concepts shown herein or made in other ways . because of the effective strength and ability to retain a generally kink - free form , these catheters may be effectively used in sizes which are quite fine , e . g ., 0 . 015 &# 34 ; to 0 . 020 &# 34 ; in diameter , and usable within typical vascular catheters .