Intravascular Devices, Systems, and Methods

Abstract

Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one electronic, optical, or electro-optical component positioned within a distal portion of the device and one or more connectors positioned at a distal portion of the device. In some instances, a tubular member forming a main body of the intravascular device includes a variable, spiral cut along a distal section such that the tubular member has a variable stiffness along the length of its distal section. In some particular instances, the tubular member is a hypotube that has an increased flexibility as it extends distally as a result of the variable, spiral cut. In some instances, the pitch and/or width of the spiral cut is varied along the length of the distal section of the hypotube to increase flexibility. Methods of making and/or assembling such intravascular devices/systems are also provided.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.