Guidewire

Abstract

A guide wire has a coil body covered with a hydrophilic coating film that exhibits sufficient lubricity even when there is little moisture in its surroundings. In the coil-type guide wire, a coating portion is formed by a plurality of layers where the innermost layer includes a hydrophobic film and an outer layer includes a hydrophilic film. Portions of the innermost layer extend between adjacent coils of the coil body and spaces are formed between the outer layer thereof and the portions of the innermost layer between the coils. The spaces allow moisture to pool so that when moisture in the guide wire's surroundings decreases, it is possible to supply the moisture pooled in the spaces to the hydrophilic film. Thus, even when there is little moisture in the guide wire's surroundings, it is possible to have a sufficient amount of lubricity.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.