Patent ID: 6113557
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
An angioplasty guidewire comprising:a proximal shaft for insertion into a patient's body and having a distal end;an intermediate section extending axially outwardly from said distal end of said shaft to a distal joint, said intermediate section including a spring coil, a stiffener extending from said proximal shaft, and a flexible member, said stiffener being coaxially disposed over said flexible member and said stiffener and said flexible member being slidable relative to each other to cooperatively impart a variable stiffness to said intermediate section, said variable stiffness being increased by advancing said stiffener over said flexible member toward said distal joint, said variable stiffness being reduced by moving said stiffener over said flexible member away from said distal joint; anda flexible distal tip mounted to an end of said intermediate portion at said distal joint and projecting axially therefrom.