Patent ID: 6071273
Filing Date: 2000-06-06
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A guiding member for advancement within a patient's vascular system, comprising:a main tubular member which has proximal and distal ends and which has an inner lumen extending therethrough to an opening in the distal end thereof;a tubular extension, more flexible than the main tubular member, which has a proximal end, a distal end and an inner lumen and which is secured by the proximal end thereof to the distal end of the main tubular member;an elongated core member which extends through the inner lumen of the tubular extension and which has a proximal portion overlapping and secured to the main tubular member near the distal end of the main tubular member in an overlapping region such that a passageway is formed within the main tubular member along the overlapping region, external to the core member to provide fluid communication between the inner lumen of the main tubular member and the inner lumen of the tubular extension, the core member having a distal portion which extends out the distal end of the tubular extension; anda flexible body which is disposed about and secured to the distal portion of the core member and which has a distal tip positioned distally from where the proximal end of the tubular extension is secured to the main tubular member.