Surface discontinuities in the form of echogenic markers to improve echogenicity on round mandrels

An ultrasound imaging system comprising:

• an ultrasound transducer configured to emit and receive ultrasound signals;
• and
• a medical device for use in conjunction with an elongate guide member defining a lumen and having a proximal guide portion and a distal guide portion to cross a septum of a patient's heart, the device comprising:
• a guidewire configured to be disposed within the lumen, the guidewire having an elongate body extending from a proximal end to a distal portion having a distal end,
• wherein the distal portion of the elongate body includes at least one echogenic feature, and
• wherein the at least one echogenic feature comprises a discontinuity configured to reflect ultrasonic waves so as to enhance visibility of the inner wire under ultrasound imaging.

A method for manufacturing a medical device with enhanced visibility under ultrasound imaging, the method comprising:

• providing an elongate guide member defining a lumen and having a proximal guide portion and a distal guide portion;
• providing a guidewire having an elongate body extending from a proximal end to a distal portion having a distal end;
• and
• forming at least one echogenic feature on the distal portion of the elongate body by mechanically deforming a surface of the distal portion to create a plurality of discontinuities that increase ultrasound wave reflection or beam scattering, thereby enhancing visibility of the guidewire under ultrasound imaging.