Guide wire with adjustable flexibility
US7018346B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 17, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/09175
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A guide wire with a distal portion having adjustable flexibility. The guide wire may include a distal polymeric member and a heat source. The heat source may be activated to cause the polymeric member to increase in temperature and increase in flexibility. The increase in flexibility of the distal portion of the guide wire enhances the ability of the guide wire to navigate tortuous vasculature to a target site. After the guide wire has been navigated to the target site, the heat source may be deactivated to cause the polymeric member to decrease in temperature and increase in stiffness. The increase in stiffness of the distal portion of the guide wire enhances support provided for devices (e.g., catheters) advanced thereon.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.