A guiding catheter has a proximal portion constructed of a tubular braid and a shape-retentive distal portion including a superelastic hypotube cut to define particular mating, support, shape-retentive and flexibility characteristics. A tubular liner extends through both of the tubular braid and the hypotube. The hypotube is joined to the braid using a mechanical interlock that has high torque transfer from the braid to the hypotube. A short portion of high stiffness polymer tube is provided at a joint between the braid and the hypotube. A polymeric outer jacket is provided over the proximal and distal portions, including the polymer tube. The jacket is heat set over the hypotube to remove residual stress.
