Patent ID: 8262589
Filing Date: 2012-09-11
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A method for forming an elongated guide wire having a central axis and a distal portion, the distal portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the method comprising the steps of: forming the distal portion of the guide wire of substantially rectangular transverse cross-section defining a pair of spaced apart major surfaces, and a pair of spaced apart minor surfaces extending between the major surfaces, the distal portion further defining a central major plane lying intermediate the major surfaces and bisecting the minor surfaces, and a central minor plane lying intermediate the minor surfaces and bisecting the major surfaces, the distal portion of the guide wire further having a reinforcing means for minimising bending of the distal portion in the central minor plane thereof, the reinforcing means extending along at least a portion of the distal portion of the guide wire from a proximal end of the distal portion, and bending the distal portion into a curved configuration to form a bend in the central major plane for forming an alignment portion lying in the central major plane and extending from the bend at an angle greater than zero relative to the central axis for facilitating guiding of the guide wire into a branched vessel of the subject.