Patent ID: 6371929
Filing Date: 2002-04-16
Classification: A61M,B29C,B29L

Abstract:
An apparatus for producing coated steerable guidewire of constant outer diameter comprising:a programmable microprocessor which receives data from and provides control signals to an extrusion apparatus having a controllable means for advancing a wire through said extrusion apparatus, said extrusion apparatus comprising; an extrusion head through which said wire passes; a detecting device for detecting an outer diameter of said wire as said wire passes into said extrusion head and for providing signals to said programmable microprocessor; at least one coating apparatus which provides molten coating material into said extrusion head to coat said wire as said wire passes through said extrusion head; and a cooling means which cools said wire coated with said coating material after said wire passes out of said extrusion head, thereby producing said coated flexible guidewire.