Medical devices incorporating at least one element made from a plurality of twisted and drawn wires

Abstract

Medical devices are provided which utilize a highly flexible cable of two and preferably three or more strands of wire. The strands are twined to form a wire rope which is drawn through successive dies to reduce its diameter until the outer surface of the cable is substantially smooth. A cable so-formed has improved elasticity. The cable is used in medical devices in which increased elasticity of a wire-like element is desired. Twisted and drawn cables incorporating a strand of a radiopaque metal or alloy may be used in devices in which radiopacity of a flexible portion of the device is desired. Twisted and drawn cables incorporating a strand of a metal or alloy having high electrical conductance may be used in devices in which electrical conductivity of a flexible portion of the device is desired.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.