Weldable wire guide with distal coupling tip

A method of forming a coupling wire guide capable of being slidably coupled to a previously introduced wire guide, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a main body having a distal end, the distal portion including a wire disposed over a mandrel, the wire and mandrel constructed of nitinol;
• providing a coupling tip having a first section structured for connection to the distal portion;
• a second section defining an axial passageway and a longitudinal axis, a distal opening and a proximal opening, the axial passageway sized to receive the previously introduced wire guide therein the coupling tip constructed of nitinol;
• and a third section interconnecting the first and second sections, the third section including a strip extending axially and circumferentially that defines a complementary axially and circumferentially extending opening in communication with the proximal opening, the axially and circumferentially extending opening being coaxial with the distal portion of the main body, the strip having a semi-annular cross-sectional shape and following a curved helical path around the longitudinal axis, the curved helical path spanning less than 360 degrees;
• welding ends of the wire to the mandrel using the native nitinol material of the wire and mandrel;
• and
• welding the distal portion of the main body to the first section of the coupling tip using the native nitinol material of the distal portion and the coupling tip.

A coupling wire guide for coupling to a previously introduced wire guide in intracorporeal procedures, the coupling wire guide comprising:

• a main body having a distal portion;
• and
• a coupling tip positioned at the distal portion of the main body, the coupling tip including a first section connected to the main body, a second section defining an axial passageway having a distal opening and a proximal opening and a third section interconnecting the first and second sections, the axial passageway sized to receive the previously introduced wire guide therein;
• and
• wherein the first section is tubular and includes a longitudinal slit providing an open area for welding the distal portion of the main body and first section;
• wherein the third section includes a strip extending axially and circumferentially that defines a complementary axially and circumferentially extending opening in communication with the proximal opening, the axially and circumferentially extending opening being coaxial with the distal portion of the main body, the strip extending less than 360 degrees circumferentially and having a circumferential width of less than 180 degrees, and wherein the distal portion and first section are welded together proximate the third section;
• wherein both the distal portion and the first section are constructed of nitinol, the distal portion and the first section being welded together using the native nitinol material of the distal portion and first section.