Apparatus and method for joining two guide wire core materials without a hypotube

An intravascular guide wire having at least two core materials joined together without the use of a hypotube, comprising:

• a core having a proximal core section with a proximal end and a distal end and a distal core section with a proximal end and a distal end;
• the distal end of the proximal core section and the proximal end of the distal core section being aligned complementary to one another;
• and
• a mass of hardened material disposed between the distal end of the proximal core section and the proximal end of the distal core section.

A method for joining two intravascular guide wire core materials without using a hypotube, comprising:

• providing a proximal core section with a proximal and distal end and a distal core section with a proximal and distal end;
• forming a complementary shape into the distal end of the proximal core section and the proximal end of the distal core section;
• positioning the proximal and distal core sections in opposing directions;
• leaving a gap in-between the distal end of the proximal core section and the proximal end of the distal core section;
• and
• disposing in the gap a mass of material joining the proximal and distal core sections together.

A method for joining at least two intravascular guide wire core materials without using a hypotube, comprising:

• providing a proximal core section with a proximal and distal end and a distal core section with a proximal and distal end;
• plunge grinding at least one of the distal end of the proximal core section and the proximal end of the distal core section;
• positioning the proximal and distal core sections in opposing directions;
• leaving an overlap between the distal end of the proximal core section and the proximal end of the distal core section;
• applying a hardening material along the overlap;
• and
• grinding the joined guide wire cores to a desired diameter.

An intravascular guide wire, comprising:

• a core having a proximal core section with a proximal end and a distal end and a distal core section with a proximal end and a distal end;
• the distal end of the proximal core section and the proximal end of the distal core section having respective complementary surfaces engaging one another;
• and
• means for joining the proximal and distal core sections together, without using a sleeve.

A method for joining at least two intravascular guide wire core materials, comprising:

• providing a proximal core section with a proximal and distal end and a distal core section with a proximal and distal end;
• forming a complementary shape into the distal end of the proximal core section and the proximal end of the distal core section;
• positioning the proximal and distal core sections in opposing directions;
• leaving a gap in-between the distal end of the proximal core section and the proximal end of the distal core section;
• and
• disposing in the gap a mass of material having sufficient strength to bond the proximal core section to the distal core section.