Guide wire with adjustable stiffness
US5938623A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 8, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 8, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/09158
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Guide wire for use in a medical procedure and for use with a power supply comprising a solid core wire having proximal and distal extremities. The proximal extremity has a predetermined diameter. At least a portion of the distal extremity has a reduced size with respect to the predetermined diameter. A flexible coil is secured to the distal extremity of the core wire and extends over the portion of the core wire having a reduced size. An actuator member is disposed proximal of the coil and extends along the core wire. Electrical conductors extend from the proximal extremity of the core wire to the actuator member for supplying heat to the actuator member. The actuator member is formed of a temperature activated metal alloy having a Young's modulus of 4.times.10.sup.6 to 14.times.10.sup.6 psi which increases in stiffness when heat is supplied thereto to increase the stiffness of the guide wire proximally of the coil.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.