US 2003/0114776 A1 · Guide wire with adjustable flexibility

Abstract

A guide wire with a distal portion having adjustable flexibility. The guide wire may include a distal polymeric member and a heat source. The heat source may be activated to cause the polymeric member to increase in temperature and increase in flexibility. The increase in flexibility of the distal portion of the guide wire enhances the ability of the guide wire to navigate tortuous vasculature to a target site. After the guide wire has been navigated to the target site, the heat source may be deactivated to cause the polymeric member to decrease in temperature and increase in stiffness. The increase in stiffness of the distal portion of the guide wire enhances support provided for devices (e.g., catheters) advanced thereon.

Claims39

Dependent claims

A variable stiffness guide wire, comprising:

a guide wire shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal potion having a flexibility;
a polymeric member disposed on the distal portion of the shaft, the polymeric member having a first flexibility at a first temperature and a second flexibility at a second temperature, wherein the first temperature is less than the second temperature and the first flexibility is less than the second flexibility;
and
a heat source disposed on the distal portion of the shaft, the heat source being in thermal communication with the polymeric member, whereby activation of the heat source causes the polymeric member to rise from the first temperature to the second temperature to thereby change the flexibility of the distal portion of the guide wire.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Guide wire with adjustable flexibility

Life of this patent

Guide wire with adjustable flexibility

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims39