Patent ID: 7651578
Filing Date: 2010-01-26
Classification: A61M,B29C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for manufacturing a medical guidewire, the method comprising: providing an elongated core member defining an outer surface; disposing an polymer jacket member about at least a portion of the outer surface of the elongated core member, wherein the polymer jacket member comprises a thermoplastic polymer material; providing an elongated tubular member having an undeformed state and including an inner surface defining a lumen, and defining an outer surface; disposing the elongated tubular member about at least a portion of the polymer jacket member, wherein the portion of the polymer jacket member and a portion of the core member are disposed within the lumen; applying heat and compressive force to the outer surface of the elongated tubular member such that the portion of the polymer jacket member is heated to or above a predetermined temperature at which the thermoplastic polymer material softens and such that the softened portion of the polymer jacket member is deformed to attach to the core member; wherein the elongated tubular member is configured to at least partially recover to the undeformed state when the heat and compressive force is removed; and removing the elongated tubular member from the polymer jacket member.