Abstract A floppy guide wire for use in introducing catheters into vascular systems and having very flexible characteristics comprises an elongate flexible element (12) formed of a metallic material. The element (12) has a cylindrical proximal portion (12a), a tapered intermediate portion (12b) and a flattened distal portion (12c). A coil (16) formed of a substantially radiopaque material is secured to said element (12) and is generally concentric therewith. The coil (16) extends beyond the distal extremity of the flattened portion (12c) of the flexible element (12) and a rounded metallic protrusion (18) is carried by the distal extremity of the coil (16) and is spaced from the distal extremity of the flexible element (12). A safety wire (17) is disposed within the coil (16) and is secured to the protrusion (18) and to the flexible elongate element (12).
A guide device comprising an elongate flexible element formed of a metallic material, said element having a cylindrical proximal portion, a tapered intermediate portion and a flattened distal portion, a coil formed of a substantially radiopaque material secured to said element and being generally concentric with the element, said coil extending beyond the distal extremity of the flattened portion, a rounded metallic protrusion carried by the distal extremity of the coil and being spaced from the distal extremity of the flexible elongate element and a safety wire disposed within the coil and secured to the protrusion and to the flexible elongate element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
A guide device comprising an elongate flexible element formed of a metallic material, said element having a cylindrical proximal portion, a tapered intermediate portion and a flattened distal portion, a coil formed of a substantially radiopaque material secured to said element and being generally concentric with the element, said coil extending beyond the distal extremity of the flattened portion, a rounded metallic protrusion carried by the distal extremity of the coil and being spaced from the distal extremity of the flexible elongate element and a safety wire disposed within the coil and secured to the protrusion and to the flexible elongate element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
A guide device as claimed in claim 1 together with an additional coil formed of a metallic material, said additional coil being disposed on the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate element and adjoining the first named coil.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A guide device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said first named coil is formed of a platinum alloy.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
A guide device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the first named coil and said additional coil are threaded together and a brazing compound bonds the proximal extremity of the first named coil and the distal extremity of the additional coil into a unitary assembly.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
A guide device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the turns of the distal extremity of the first named coil are spaced apart to provide additional flexibility therein.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
A guide device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said safety wire is formed of a pliable metallic material, said safety wire being capable of being shaped to preform the tip of the device.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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