Patent Publication Number: US-2021177280-A1

Title: Mounting structures for components of intravascular devices

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/986,690, filed May 22, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,932,678, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/014,868, filed Aug. 30, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,974,446, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/695,970, filed Aug. 31, 2012, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to intravascular devices, systems, and methods. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices are guide wires that include a mounting structure for one or more sensing components. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Heart disease is very serious and often requires emergency operations to save lives. A main cause of heart disease is the accumulation of plaque inside the blood vessels, which eventually occludes the blood vessels. Common treatment options available to open up the occluded vessel include balloon angioplasty, rotational atherectomy, and intravascular stents. Traditionally, surgeons have relied on X-ray fluoroscopic images that are planar images showing the external shape of the silhouette of the lumen of blood vessels to guide treatment. Unfortunately, with X-ray fluoroscopic images, there is a great deal of uncertainty about the exact extent and orientation of the stenosis responsible for the occlusion, making it difficult to find the exact location of the stenosis. In addition, though it is known that restenosis can occur at the same place, it is difficult to check the condition inside the vessels after surgery with X-ray. 
     A currently accepted technique for assessing the severity of a stenosis in a blood vessel, including ischemia causing lesions, is fractional flow reserve (FFR). FFR is a calculation of the ratio of a distal pressure measurement (taken on the distal side of the stenosis) relative to a proximal pressure measurement (taken on the proximal side of the stenosis). FFR provides an index of stenosis severity that allows determination as to whether the blockage limits blood flow within the vessel to an extent that treatment is required. The normal value of FFR in a healthy vessel is 1.00, while values less than about 0.80 are generally deemed significant and require treatment. 
     Often intravascular catheters and guide wires are utilized to measure the pressure within the blood vessel, visualize the inner lumen of the blood vessel, and/or otherwise obtain data related to the blood vessel. To date, guide wires containing pressure sensors, imaging elements, and/or other electronic, optical, or electro-optical components have suffered from reduced performance characteristics compared to standard guide wires that do not contain such components. For example, the handling performance of previous guide wires containing electronic components have been hampered, in some instances, by the limited space available for the core wire after accounting for the space needed for the conductors or communication lines of the electronic component(s), the stiffness and size of the rigid housing containing the electronic component(s), and/or other limitations associated with providing the functionality of the electronic components in the limited space available within a guide wire. 
     Accordingly, there remains a need for improved intravascular devices, systems, and methods that include a mounting structure for one or more electronic, optical, or electro-optical sensing components. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to intravascular devices, systems, and methods. 
     In one embodiment, a guide wire is provided. The guide wire comprises a first flexible element; a distal core extending within the first flexible element; a mounting structure fixedly secured to the distal core, the mounting structure comprising a plurality of material layers secured to one another, wherein the plurality of material layers define a recess sized and shaped to receive a pressure sensing component; a pressure sensing component mounted to the mounting structure; a proximal core fixedly attached to the mounting structure and extending proximally from the mounting structure; and at least one conductor having a proximal section and a distal section, wherein the distal section of the at least one conductor is coupled to the pressure sensing component and the proximal section of the at least one conductor is coupled to at least one connector; wherein the first flexible element and the mounting structure have an outer diameter of 0.018″ or less. 
     In another embodiment, a mounting structure for use within a distal portion of a guide wire having an outer diameter of 0.018″ or less is provided. The mounting structure includes a plurality of material layers secured to one another, wherein the plurality of material layers define a first recess sized and shaped to receive a pressure sensing component and a second recess sized and shaped to receive a portion of a core of the guide wire. 
     In some instances, the plurality of material layers of the mounting structure comprises at least six layers. In some embodiments, the plurality of material layers are each formed of the same material. In that regard, in some instances the material is nickel cobalt. Further, in some implementations each of the plurality of material layers has the same thickness. For example, in some instances the thickness of each of the plurality of material layers is between about 0.01 mm and about 0.025 mm. In some embodiments, the mounting structure includes a proximal portion, a central portion, and a distal portion. The proximal portion is separated from the central portion by a proximal bridge having a reduced outer profile dimension relative to the proximal and central portions and the central portion is separated from the distal portion by a distal bridge having a reduced outer profile dimension relative to the central and distal portions. In some instances, each of the proximal portion, central portion, and distal portion have an outer profile dimension between about 0.125 mm and about 0.400 mm and each of the proximal bridge and the distal bridge have an outer profile dimension between 0.075 mm and about 0.125 mm. 
     Additional aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic, schematic side view of an intravascular device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is diagrammatic cross-sectional side view of an intravascular device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic perspective view of a mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic proximal end view of the mounting structure of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic top view of a mounting structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic proximal end view of the mounting structure of  FIG. 5  shown connected to a core according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional side view of the mounting structure of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , shown connected to the core. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic perspective view of a mounting structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a proximal end view of the mounting structure of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic top view of a mounting structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagrammatic top view of a mounting structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a diagrammatic top view of a mounting structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a diagrammatic top view of a mounting structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is a diagrammatic top view of a mounting structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  is a diagrammatic top view of a mounting structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  is a diagrammatic top view of a mounting structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 17  is a diagrammatic top view of a mounting structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 18  is a diagrammatic top view of a mounting structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 19  is a diagrammatic top view of a mounting structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 20  is a diagrammatic top view of a mounting structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 21  is a diagrammatic top view of a mounting structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 22  is a diagrammatic top view of a mounting structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 23  is a diagrammatic top view of a mounting structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It is nevertheless understood that no limitation to the scope of the disclosure is intended. Any alterations and further modifications to the described devices, systems, and methods, and any further application of the principles of the present disclosure are fully contemplated and included within the present disclosure as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. In particular, it is fully contemplated that the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to other embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, however, the numerous iterations of these combinations will not be described separately. 
     As used herein, “flexible elongate member” or “elongate flexible member” includes at least any thin, long, flexible structure that can be inserted into the vasculature of a patient. While the illustrated embodiments of the “flexible elongate members” of the present disclosure have a cylindrical profile with a circular cross-sectional profile that defines an outer diameter of the flexible elongate member, in other instances all or a portion of the flexible elongate members may have other geometric cross-sectional profiles (e.g., oval, rectangular, square, elliptical, etc.) or non-geometric cross-sectional profiles. Flexible elongate members include, for example, guide wires and catheters. In that regard, catheters may or may not include a lumen extending along its length for receiving and/or guiding other instruments. If the catheter includes a lumen, the lumen may be centered or offset with respect to the cross-sectional profile of the device. 
     In most embodiments, the flexible elongate members of the present disclosure include one or more electronic, optical, or electro-optical components. For example, without limitation, a flexible elongate member may include one or more of the following types of components: a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an imaging element, an optical fiber, an ultrasound transducer, a reflector, a mirror, a prism, an ablation element, an RF electrode, a conductor, and/or combinations thereof. Generally, these components are configured to obtain data related to a vessel or other portion of the anatomy in which the flexible elongate member is disposed. Often the components are also configured to communicate the data to an external device for processing and/or display. In some aspects, embodiments of the present disclosure include imaging devices for imaging within the lumen of a vessel, including both medical and non-medical applications. However, some embodiments of the present disclosure are particularly suited for use in the context of human vasculature. Imaging of the intravascular space, particularly the interior walls of human vasculature can be accomplished by a number of different techniques, including ultrasound (often referred to as intravascular ultrasound (“IVUS”) and intracardiac echocardiography (“ICE”)) and optical coherence tomography (“OCT”). In other instances, infrared, thermal, or other imaging modalities are utilized. 
     The electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical components of the present disclosure are often disposed within a distal portion of the flexible elongate member. As used herein, “distal portion” of the flexible elongate member includes any portion of the flexible elongate member from the mid-point to the distal tip. As flexible elongate members can be solid, some embodiments of the present disclosure will include a housing portion at the distal portion for receiving the electronic components. Such housing portions can be tubular structures attached to the distal portion of the elongate member. Some flexible elongate members are tubular and have one or more lumens in which the electronic components can be positioned within the distal portion. 
     The electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical components and the associated communication lines are sized and shaped to allow for the diameter of the flexible elongate member to be very small. For example, the outside diameter of the elongate member, such as a guide wire or catheter, containing one or more electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical components as described herein are between about 0.0007″ (0.0178 mm) and about 0.118″ (3.0 mm), with some particular embodiments having outer diameters of approximately 0.014″ (0.3556 mm) and approximately 0.018″ (0.4572 mm)). As such, the flexible elongate members incorporating the electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical component(s) of the present application are suitable for use in a wide variety of lumens within a human patient besides those that are part or immediately surround the heart, including veins and arteries of the extremities, renal arteries, blood vessels in and around the brain, and other lumens. 
     “Connected” and variations thereof as used herein includes direct connections, such as being glued or otherwise fastened directly to, on, within, etc. another element, as well as indirect connections where one or more elements are disposed between the connected elements. 
     “Secured” and variations thereof as used herein includes methods by which an element is directly secured to another element, such as being glued or otherwise fastened directly to, on, within, etc. another element, as well as indirect techniques of securing two elements together where one or more elements are disposed between the secured elements. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , shown therein is a portion of an intravascular device  100  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In that regard, the intravascular device  100  includes a flexible elongate member  102  having a distal portion  104  adjacent a distal end  105  and a proximal portion  106  adjacent a proximal end  107 . A component  108  is positioned within the distal portion  104  of the flexible elongate member  102  proximal of the distal tip  105 . Generally, the component  108  is representative of one or more electronic, optical, or electro-optical components. In that regard, the component  108  is a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an imaging element, an optical fiber, an ultrasound transducer, a reflector, a mirror, a prism, an ablation element, an RF electrode, a conductor, and/or combinations thereof. The specific type of component or combination of components can be selected based on an intended use of the intravascular device. In some instances, the component  108  is positioned less than 10 cm, less than 5, or less than 3 cm from the distal tip  105 . In some instances, the component  108  is positioned within a housing of the flexible elongate member  102 . In that regard, the housing is a separate component secured to the flexible elongate member  102  in some instances. In other instances, the housing is integrally formed as a part of the flexible elongate member  102 . 
     The intravascular device  100  also includes a connector  110  adjacent the proximal portion  106  of the device. In that regard, the connector  110  is spaced from the proximal end  107  of the flexible elongate member  102  by a distance  112 . Generally, the distance  112  is between 0% and 50% of the total length of the flexible elongate member  102 . While the total length of the flexible elongate member can be any length, in some embodiments the total length is between about 1300 mm and about 4000 mm, with some specific embodiments have a length of 1400 mm, 1900 mm, and 3000 mm. Accordingly, in some instances the connector  110  is positioned at the proximal end  107 . In other instances, the connector  110  is spaced from the proximal end  107 . For example, in some instances the connector  110  is spaced from the proximal end  107  between about 0 mm and about 1400 mm. In some specific embodiments, the connector  110  is spaced from the proximal end by a distance of 0 mm, 300 mm, and 1400 mm. 
     The connector  110  is configured to facilitate communication between the intravascular device  100  and another device. More specifically, in some embodiments the connector  110  is configured to facilitate communication of data obtained by the component  108  to another device, such as a computing device or processor. Accordingly, in some embodiments the connector  110  is an electrical connector. In such instances, the connector  110  provides an electrical connection to one or more electrical conductors that extend along the length of the flexible elongate member  102  and are electrically coupled to the component  108 . Some specific embodiments of electrical connectors in accordance with the present disclosure are discussed below in the context of  FIGS. 5-11 . In other embodiments, the connector  110  is an optical connector. In such instances, the connector  110  provides an optical connection to one or more optical communication pathways (e.g., fiber optic cable) that extend along the length of the flexible elongate member  102  and are optically coupled to the component  108 . Further, in some embodiments the connector  110  provides both electrical and optical connections to both electrical conductor(s) and optical communication pathway(s) coupled to the component  108 . In that regard, it should again be noted that component  108  is comprised of a plurality of elements in some instances. In some instances, the connector  110  is configured to provide a physical connection to another device, either directly or indirectly. In other instances, the connector  110  is configured to facilitate wireless communication between the intravascular device  100  and another device. Generally, any current or future developed wireless protocol(s) may be utilized. In yet other instances, the connector  110  facilitates both physical and wireless connection to another device. 
     As noted above, in some instances the connector  110  provides a connection between the component  108  of the intravascular device  100  and an external device. Accordingly, in some embodiments one or more electrical conductors, one or more optical pathways, and/or combinations thereof extend along the length of the flexible elongate member  102  between the connector  110  and the component  108  to facilitate communication between the connector  110  and the component  108 . Generally, any number of electrical conductors, optical pathways, and/or combinations thereof can extend along the length of the flexible elongate member  102  between the connector  110  and the component  108 . In some instances, between one and ten electrical conductors and/or optical pathways extend along the length of the flexible elongate member  102  between the connector  110  and the component  108 . For the sake of clarity and simplicity, the embodiments of the present disclosure described below include three electrical conductors. However, it is understood that the total number of communication pathways and/or the number of electrical conductors and/or optical pathways is different in other embodiments. More specifically, the number of communication pathways and the number of electrical conductors and optical pathways extending along the length of the flexible elongate member  102  is determined by the desired functionality of the component  108  and the corresponding elements that define component  108  to provide such functionality. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , shown therein is a cross-sectional side view of an intravascular device  200  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the intravascular device  200  includes a proximal portion  202 , a middle portion  204 , and a distal portion  206 . Generally, the proximal portion  202  is configured to be positioned outside of a patient, while the distal portion  206  and a majority of the middle portion  204  are configured to be inserted into the patient, including within human vasculature. In that regard, the middle and distal portion  204  have an outer diameter between about 0.0007″ (0.0178 mm) and about 0.118″ (3.0 mm) in some embodiments, with some particular embodiments having an outer diameter of approximately 0.014″ (0.3556 mm) or approximately 0.018″ (0.4572 mm)). In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the intravascular device  200  has an outer diameter of 0.014″ (0.3556 mm). 
     As shown, the distal portion  206  of the intravascular device  200  has a distal tip  207  defined by an element  208 . In the illustrated embodiment, the distal tip  207  has a rounded profile. In some instances, the element  208  is radiopaque such that the distal tip  207  is identifiable under x-ray, fluoroscopy, and/or other imaging modalities when positioned within a patient. In some particular instances, the element  208  is solder secured to a flexible element  210  and/or a flattened tip core  212 . In that regard, in some instances the flexible element  210  is a coil spring. The flattened tip core  212  extends distally from a distal core  214 . As shown, the distal core  214  tapers to a narrow profile as it extends distally towards the distal tip  207 . In some instances, the distal core  214  is formed of a stainless steel that has been ground down have the desired tapered profile. In some instances, the distal core  214  or at least a portion thereof is flattened to define an atraumatic tip to the intravascular device  200 . In some particular instances, the distal core  214  is formed of high tensile strength 304V stainless steel. In an alternative embodiment, the distal core  214  is formed by wrapping a stainless steel shaping ribbon around a nitinol core. Solder points  216  secure the distal core  214  to a mounting structure  218 . The mounting structure  218  is configured to receive and securely hold a component  220 . In that regard, the component  220  is one or more of an electronic component, an optical component, and/or electro-optical component. For example, without limitation, the component  220  may be one or more of the following types of components: a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an imaging element, an optical fiber, an ultrasound transducer, a reflector, a mirror, a prism, an ablation element, an RF electrode, a conductor, and/or combinations thereof. 
     The mounting structure  218  is fixedly secured within the distal portion  206  of the intravascular device  200 . As will be discussed below in the context of the exemplary embodiments of  FIGS. 3-23 , the mounting structure  218  may be fixedly secured to one or more cores (e.g., a single core running along the length of the mounting structure; a proximal core; a distal core; both a proximal core and a distal core) and/or a hypotube or other structure surrounding at least a portion of the mounting structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting structure is disposed within flexible element  210  and/or a flexible element  224  and secured in place by an adhesive or solder  222 . In some instances, the flexible element  224  is ribbon coil covered with a polymer coating. For example, in one embodiment the flexible element  224  is a stainless steel ribbon wire coil coated with polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In another embodiment, the flexible element is a polyimide tubing that has a ribbon wire coil embedded therein. For example, in some instances a polyimide or Pebax tubing with embedded coil is utilized for flexible element  224 . In some particular embodiments, the ribbon wire coil is embedded to an inner diameter of the polyimide tubing. In some instances, an opening is created in the tubing to allow the surrounding ambient pressure to reach a pressure-sensing implementation of component  220 . Accordingly, in some implementations the pitch and/or spacing of an embedded ribbon coil has adequate spacing such that an opening can be created solely through the surrounding polymer portions of the tubing (i.e., not through the coil) and still provide sufficient access to facilitate accurate pressure readings. The adhesive  222  is utilized to secure the mounting structure  218  to the flexible element  210  and/or the flexible element  224  in some implementations. Accordingly, in some instances the adhesive is urethane acrylate, cyanoacrylate, silicone, epoxy, and/or combinations thereof. 
     The mounting structure  218  is also secured to a core  226  that extends proximally from the mounting structure towards the middle portion  204  of the intravascular device  200 . In that regard, a distal portion  228  of the core  226  tapers as it extends distally towards mounting structure  218 . A distal end of the distal portion  228  of the core  226  is fixedly secured to the mounting structure  218 . In some instances, the distal end of the core  226  is soldered to the mounting structure  218 . As shown, adhesive  230  surrounds at least a portion of the distal portion  228  of the core  226 . In some instances, the adhesive  230  is the adhesive  222  used to secure the mounting structure  218  to the flexible element  210  and/or flexible element  224 . In other instances, adhesive  230  is a different type of adhesive than adhesive  222 . In one particular embodiment, adhesive or solder  222  is particularly suited to secure the mounting structure to flexible element  210 , while adhesive  230  is particularly suited to secure the mounting structure to flexible element  224 . 
     A communication cable  232  extends along the length of the intravascular device  200  from the proximal portion  202  to the distal portion  206 . In that regard, the distal end of the communication cable  232  is coupled to the component  220  at junction  234 . The type of communication cable utilized is dependent on the type of electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical components that make up the component  220 . In that regard, the communication cable  232  may include one or more of an electrical conductor, an optical fiber, and/or combinations thereof. Appropriate connections are utilized at the junction  234  based on the type of communication lines included within communication cable  232 . For example, electrical connections are soldered in some instances, while optical connections pass through an optical connector in some instances. In some embodiments, the communication cable  232  is a trifilar structure. Further, it is understood that all and/or portions of each of the proximal, middle, and/or distal portions  202 ,  204 ,  206  of the intravascular device  200  may have cross-sectional profiles as shown in FIGS. 2-5 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/665,697 filed on Jun. 28, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Further, in some embodiments, the proximal portion  202  and/or the distal portion  206  incorporate spiral ribbon tubing as disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/665,697 filed on Jun. 28, 2012. In some instances, the use of such spiral ribbon tubing allows a further increase in the available lumen space within the device. For example, in some instances use of a spiral ribbon tubing having a wall thickness between about 0.001″ and about 0.002″ facilitates the use of a core wire having an outer diameter of at least 0.0095″ within a 0.014″ outer diameter guide wire using a trifilar with circular cross-sectional conductor profiles. The size of the core wire can be further increased to at least 0.010″ by using a trifilar with the flattened oblong cross-section conductor profiles. The availability to use a core wire having an increased diameter allows the use of materials having a lower modulus of elasticity than a standard stainless steel core wire (e.g., superelastic materials such as Nitinol or NiTiCo are utilized in some instances) without adversely affecting the handling performance or structural integrity of the guide wire and, in many instances, provides improvement to the handling performance of the guide wire, especially when a superelastic material with an increased core diameter (e.g., a core diameter of 0.0075″ or greater) is utilized within the distal portion  206 . 
     The distal portion  206  of the intravascular device  200  also optionally includes at least one imaging marker  236 . In that regard, the imaging marker  236  is configured to be identifiable using an external imaging modality, such as x-ray, fluoroscopy, angiograph, CT scan, MRI, or otherwise, when the distal portion  206  of the intravascular device  200  is positioned within a patient. In the illustrated embodiment, the imaging marker  236  is a radiopaque coil positioned around the tapered distal portion  228  of the core  226 . Visualization of the imaging marker  236  during a procedure can give the medical personnel an indication of the size of a lesion or region of interest within the patient. To that end, the imaging marker  236  can have a known length (e.g., 0.5 cm or 1.0 cm) and/or be spaced from the element  208  by a known distance (e.g., 3.0 cm) such that visualization of the imaging marker  236  and/or the element  208  along with the anatomical structure allows a user to estimate the size or length of a region of interest of the anatomical structure. It is understood that a plurality of imaging markers  236  are utilized in some instances. In that regard, in some instances the imaging markers  236  are spaced a known distance from one another to further facilitate measuring the size or length of the region of interest. 
     In some instances, a proximal portion of the core  226  is secured to a core  238  that extends through the middle portion  204  of the intravascular device. In that regard, the transition between the core  226  and the core  238  may occur within the distal portion  206 , within the middle portion  204 , and/or at the transition between the distal portion  206  and the middle portion  204 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment the transition between core  226  and core  238  occurs in the vicinity of a transition between the flexible element  224  and a flexible element  240 . The flexible element  240  in the illustrated embodiment is a hypotube. In some particular instances, the flexible element is a stainless steel hypotube. Further, in the illustrated embodiment a portion of the flexible element  240  is covered with a coating  242 . In that regard, the coating  242  is a hydrophobic coating in some instances. In some embodiments, the coating  242  is a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating. In some implementations, the flexible element  240  is configured to provide more structural support than the flexible element  224 . For example, in some instances the flexible  240  provides increased pushability and torqueability. Further, in some instances, primary functions of the flexible element  224  include providing a constant outer diameter for device delivery and to act as a substrate for lubricious coatings (e.g., hydrophilic coatings in some instances). In some instances, the flexible element  224  provides minimal structural support and/or torqueability, while the distal core  226  provides the desired structural support and torque response for the working section of the intravascular device  200  that enters vasculature. 
     The proximal portion of core  226  is fixedly secured to the distal portion of core  238 . In that regard, any suitable technique for securing the cores  226 ,  238  to one another may be used. In some embodiments, at least one of the cores  226 ,  238  includes a plunge grind or other structural modification that is utilized to couple the cores together. In some instances, the cores  226 ,  238  are soldered together. In some instances, an adhesive is utilized to secure the cores  226 ,  238  together. In some embodiments, combinations of structural interfaces, soldering, and/or adhesives are utilized to secure the cores  226 ,  238  together. In other instances, the core  226  is not fixedly secured to core  238 . For example, in some instances, the core  226  and the core  246  are fixedly secured to the hypotube  240  and the core  238  is positioned between the cores  226  and  246 , which maintains the position of the core  238  between cores  226  and  246 . 
     In some embodiments, the core  238  is formed of a different material than the core  226 . For example, in some instances the core  226  is formed of nitinol and the core  238  is formed of stainless steel. In other instances, the core  238  and the core  226  are formed of the same material. In some instances the core  238  has a different profile than the core  226 , such as a larger or smaller diameter and/or a non-circular cross-sectional profile. For example, in some instances the core  238  has a D-shaped cross-sectional profile. In that regard, a D-shaped cross-sectional profile has some advantages in the context of an intravascular device  200  that includes one or more electronic, optical, or electro-optical component in that it provides a natural space to run any necessary communication cables while providing increased strength than a full diameter core. 
     In some instances, a proximal portion of the core  238  is secured to a core  246  that extends through at least a portion of the proximal portion  202  of the intravascular device  200 . In that regard, the transition between the core  238  and the core  246  may occur within the proximal portion  202 , within the middle portion  204 , and/or at the transition between the proximal portion  202  and the middle portion  204 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment the transition between core  238  and core  246  is positioned distal of a plurality of conducting bands  248 . In that regard, in some instances the conductive bands  248  are portions of a hypotube. Proximal portions of the communication cable  232  are coupled to the conductive bands  248 . In that regard, in some instances each of the conductive bands is associated with a corresponding communication line of the communication cable  232 . For example, in embodiments where the communication cable  232  consists of a trifilar, each of the three conductive bands  248  are connected to one of the conductors of the trifilar, for example by soldering each of the conductive bands to the respective conductor. Where the communication cable  232  includes optical communication line(s), the proximal portion  202  of the intravascular device  200  includes an optical connector in addition to or instead of one or more of the conductive bands  248 . An insulating layer or sleeve  250  separates the conductive bands  248  from the core  246 . In some instances, the insulating layer  250  is formed of polyimide. 
     As noted above, the proximal portion of core  238  is fixedly secured to the distal portion of core  246 . In that regard, any suitable technique for securing the cores  238 ,  246  to one another may be used. In some embodiments, at least one of the cores includes a structural feature that is utilized to couple the cores together. In the illustrated embodiment, the core  238  includes an extension  252  that extends around a distal portion of the core  246 . In some instances, the cores  238 ,  246  are soldered together. In some instances, an adhesive is utilized to secure the cores  238 ,  246  together. In some embodiments, combinations of structural interfaces, soldering, and/or adhesives are utilized to secure the cores  238 ,  246  together. In other instances, the core  226  is not fixedly secured to core  238 . For example, in some instances and as noted above, the core  226  and the core  246  are fixedly secured to the hypotube  240  and the core  238  is positioned between the cores  226  and  246 , which maintains the position of the core  238  between cores  226  and  246 . In some embodiments, the core  246  is formed of a different material than the core  238 . For example, in some instances the core  246  is formed of Nitinol and/or NiTiCo (nickel-titanium-cobalt alloy) and the core  238  is formed of stainless steel. In that regard, by utilizing a nitinol core within the conductive bands  248  instead of a stainless steel the likelihood of kinking is greatly reduced because of the increased flexibility of the nitinol core compared to a stainless steel core. In other instances, the core  238  and the core  246  are formed of the same material. In some instances the core  238  has a different profile than the core  246 , such as a larger or smaller diameter and/or a non-circular cross-sectional profile. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3-23 , shown therein are various embodiments of mounting structures for use within intravascular devices. In some embodiments, the mounting structures of the present disclosure are sized and shaped for use within guide wires having a diameter of 0.018″ or 0.014″. Referring initially to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , shown therein is a mounting structure  300 . As will be discussed below, mounting structure  300  is configured for use with a core that extends along the length of the mounting structure. Accordingly, in some embodiments where the mounting structure  300  is utilized as mounting structure  218  of intravascular device  200  discussed above, distal core  214  and proximal core  226  are defined by a single core that extends along and/or through mounting structure  300 . 
     As shown, mounting structure  300  includes a body  302  having various structural features to facilitate interfacing with other components of the intravascular device. For example, the body  302  includes a recess  304  configured to receive a sensing component of the intravascular device. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess  304  is particularly suited for use with a pressure sensing element. In that regard, the recess  304  includes a portion  306  and a portion  308 . Portion  306  has a wider profile than portion  308 . Accordingly, in some implementations portion  306  is sized and shaped to receive a main body of a pressure sensing element, while portion  308  is sized and shaped to receive a portion of an active portion of the pressure sensing element (e.g., a cantilevered structure including a pressure-sensing diaphragm). In some instances, the portion  308  is recessed a greater distance relative to an upper surface (as viewed in  FIG. 3 ) of the body  302  than portion  306 . Such an arrangement allows the diaphragm or other pressure sensing portion to be positioned face up and/or face down within the recess  308 . In other instances, the portions  306  and  308  have the same depth relative to an upper surface of the body  302 . The body  302  also includes a recess  310  proximal of the recess  304  and adjacent a proximal portion  312  of the body. In some instances, recess  310  is sized and shaped to facilitate connection of conductors to a sensing element mounted within recess  304 . For example, in some implementations conductors of a trifilar are connected to a pressure sensing element seated within recess  304  by positioning the conductors within recess  310 . The body  302  includes a distal portion  314  opposite proximal portion  312  that is configured to interface with components of the distal tip of the guide wire, such as a distal core, distal coil, and/or other features. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 4 , the body  302  defines a recess or opening  316  that extends along the length of the mounting structure  300  between the proximal portion  312  and the distal portion  314 . In that regard, the recess or opening  316  is sized and shaped to interface with a core wire. In some instances, the core wire is positioned within the recess/opening  316  and then fixedly secured into place using solder, adhesive, and/or other suitable techniques. As also shown in  FIG. 4 , the body  302  of the mounting structure  300  has a maximum height  318  and a maximum width  320 . In some embodiments, the maximum height  318  is between about 0.125 mm and about 0.400 mm, with some 0.014″ outer diameter devices having a maximum height of approximately 0.200 mm and some 0.018″ outer diameter devices having a maximum height of approximately 0.300 mm. In some embodiments, the maximum width  320  is between about 0.28 mm and about 0.50 mm, with some 0.014″ outer diameter devices having a maximum width of approximately 0.295 mm and some 0.018″ outer diameter devices having a maximum height of approximately 0.450 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the mounting structure  300  have an overall rounded or arcuate profile. In that regard, the radius or rate of curvature of the rounded/arcuate sides is determined based on the desired outer diameter (e.g., 0.014″, 0.018″, etc.) of the guide wire into which the mounting structure  300  will be incorporated. As discussed below, the rounded/arcuate shape of the body  302  is defined in step-wise manner by varying the width of adjacent material layers of a plurality of layers that make of the body  302  in some instances. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the body  302  also has a length  322  between its proximal and distal ends. In some embodiments, the length  322  is between about 1.5 mm and about 2.2 mm. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the body  302  is made up of a plurality of material layers. In the illustrated embodiment, the body  302  includes layers  330 ,  331 ,  332 ,  333 ,  334 ,  335 ,  336 ,  337 , and  338 . Generally, structures in accordance with the present disclosure may use between two and fifty material layers to define a desired three-dimensional structural layout. However, most structures for use within guide wires having an outer diameter of 0.014″ will utilize between six and twelve material layers. In that regard, layer  330  defines a bottom surface of the body  302 , layer  338  defines an upper surface of the body, and layers  331 ,  332 ,  333 ,  334 ,  335 ,  336 , and  337  are intermediate layers therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the layers  330 ,  331 ,  332 ,  333 ,  334 ,  335 ,  336 ,  337 , and  338  is a plate-like structure (i.e., having parallel upper and lower surfaces with a generally constant thickness). In some embodiments, each layer has thickness (i.e., measured in the direction of height  318  of the body  302  between an upper boundary of the layer and a lower boundary of the layer) between about 0.01 mm and about 0.025 mm. In some embodiments, at least layers  330 ,  331 ,  332 ,  333 ,  334 ,  336 ,  337 , and  338  each have a common thickness. Further, while layer  335  is identified as a single layer having an increased thickness relative to the other layers  330 ,  331 ,  332 ,  333 ,  334 ,  336 ,  337 , and  338  in  FIG. 4 , it is understood that in some instances layer  335  is comprised of a plurality of layers having the common thickness that are coupled together to form the collective layer  335 . 
     By precisely defining the geometry of each layer  330 ,  331 ,  332 ,  333 ,  334 ,  335 ,  336 ,  337 , and  338  and then arranging the layers together, the resulting body  302  can define very precise structures. For example, the boundaries of recess  304  can be precisely defined to match those of a pressure sensor to be mounted within the recess. In that regard, the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 3  shows a tapered transition consisting of angled surfaces extending between portion  306  of recess  304  and portion  308 . In some instances, the tapered transition is defined by layers  337  and  338 , while the surface of portion  306  is defined by layer  336 . To that end, in some embodiments manufacturing techniques are utilized that allow for micron-level precision in the manufacturing of each layer and, therefore, result in micron-level precision in the resulting structure of the body  302 . This increased precision of the body  302  allows for the structural support required to limit the transfer of external forces (e.g., from curvature of the intravascular device passing through a vessel) to the sensing element, which can cause errors in the resulting measurements of the sensing element, to be achieved through a minimum sized mounting structure. As a result of the reduced size of the mounting structure  300  achievable using the multiple layer arrangements of the present disclosure, the overall flexibility of the distal portion of the intravascular device can be increased, which leads to better maneuverability and control of the intravascular device. 
     In some instances, the mounting structure  300  and other mounting structures of the present application are manufactured using one or more of the following steps. As an initial step, a structural design for the body  302  of the mounting structure is created. In that regard, the structural design of the body  302  takes into account such considerations as guide wire diameter, sensing element properties (e.g., type, size, shape, communication lines needed, etc.), desired flexibility of the guide wire, core wire interface(s), hypotube characteristics, desired stiffness of mounting structure, and/or features related to the mounting structure and/or related components of the guide wire. Based on the structural design, the body  302  is separated into a plurality of discrete material layers. In that regard, each layer has a defined two-dimensional profile based on the overall structural design. The thickness of each of the plurality of layers is determined based on the overall structural design. As discussed above, the plurality of layers may have a common thickness, different thicknesses, and/or combinations thereof. In some instances, the thickness of each layer is between about 5 μm and about 25 μm. With the structural design separated into a plurality of layers, one or more copies of the device are laid out on a wafer. Depending on the size of the device, anywhere from tens to hundreds to thousands of device layouts can be placed on a single wafer. Photomasks are produced for each layer in some instances. With the wafer layout established and photomasks ready, a sacrificial layer (e.g., copper) is electroplated on the wafer (e.g., a ceramic wafer). As understood by those skilled in the art, the sacrificial layer is removed (e.g., etched) at the end of the fabrication process to release the created mounting structure from the wafer. With the sacrificial layer deposited, a precise thickness of photoresist is applied to the wafer. Then the appropriate photomask is placed on top of the photoresist. In that regard, it is understood that the mounting structure  300  can be formed by beginning with layer  330  and going to layer  338  or formed by beginning with layer  338  and going to layer  330 . Accordingly, depending on the order of formation, the appropriate photomask is utilized. The photomask is exposed to ultraviolet light to create a pattern on the surface of the photoresist. 
     With the pattern formed on the photoresist, the wafer is placed into an electro-deposition cell or chamber. The electro-deposition cell or chamber causes metal ions to be deposited in accordance with the pattern. In that regard, the metal ions used is dependent on the desired metal for the resulting mounting structure. In some instances, the metal is palladium, a Nickel Cobalt alloy (e.g., 80% nickel, 20% cobalt in one embodiment), and/or other suitable metal. With the metal layer deposited, the photoresist is removed and the sacrificial material (e.g., copper) is deposited where the photoresist was removed. The sacrificial material fills any gaps between layers of the body and acts as a stable, electrically conductive structure for the formation of a subsequent layer. The deposited metal and sacrificial layer are then planarized to the desired thickness for that layer of the body. The planarization process ensures that the layer has the desired thickness, flatness, and parallel surfaces needed for formation of the mounting structure. In some embodiments, the planarization process controls such features within 2 microns. The steps of applying a photoresist, patterning using a photomask, depositing metal into the pattern, removing the photoresist, applying a sacrificial material, and planarizing is repeated for each layer of the body. In that regard, the mounting structures of the present disclosure generally have between 6 layers and 15 layers, but some embodiments may have a greater number or fewer number of layers. Once all of the layers have been formed, all of the sacrificial material is removed to define the resulting device and release it from the wafer. In some particular embodiments, the mounting structures of the present disclosure are manufactured by Microfabrica® having a place of business in Van Nuys, Calif. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5-7 , shown therein is a mounting structure  350  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As will be discussed below, in contrast to mounting structure  300  that is configured for use with a core that extends along the length of the mounting structure, mounting structure  350  is configured for use with two cores, in particular a proximal core extending proximally from the mounting structure and a distal core extending distally from the mounting structure. Accordingly, in some embodiments where the mounting structure  350  is utilized as mounting structure  218  of intravascular device  200  discussed above, distal core  214  and proximal core  226  are coupled to the mounting structure  350  distally and proximally, respectively. 
     As shown, mounting structure  350  includes a body  352  having various structural features to facilitate interfacing with other components of the intravascular device. For example, the body  352  includes a recess  354  configured to receive a sensing component of the intravascular device. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess  354  is particularly suited for use with a pressure sensing element. In that regard, the recess  354  includes a portion  356  and a portion  358 . Portion  356  has a wider profile than portion  358 . Accordingly, in some implementations portion  356  is sized and shaped to receive a main body of a pressure sensing element, while portion  358  is sized and shaped to receive a portion of an active portion of the pressure sensing element (e.g., a cantilevered structure including a pressure-sensing diaphragm). In some instances, the portion  358  is recessed a greater distance relative to an upper surface (as viewed in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) of the body  352  than portion  356 . Such an arrangement allows the diaphragm or other pressure sensing portion to be positioned face up and/or face down within the recess  358 . In other instances, the portions  356  and  358  have the same depth relative to an upper surface of the body  352 . The body  352  also includes a recess  360  proximal of the recess  354  and adjacent a proximal portion  362  of the body. In some instances, recess  360  is sized and shaped to facilitate connection of conductors to a sensing element mounted within recess  354 . For example, in some implementations conductors of a trifilar are connected to a pressure sensing element seated within recess  354  by positioning the conductors within and along recess  360 . The body  352  includes a distal portion  364  opposite proximal portion  362  that is configured to interface with components of the distal tip of the guide wire, such as a distal core, distal coil, and/or other features. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a proximal core  370  is coupled to the proximal portion  362  of the body  352 . In the illustrated embodiment, the core  372  includes a distal tip  372 , a section  374  extending proximally from the distal tip  372  having a reduced diameter or outer profile relative to the distal tip (as shown in  FIG. 7 ), and a section  376  extending proximally from section  374 . As shown, section  376  has an increased diameter or outer profile relative to section  374 . In some embodiments, section  376  and distal tip  372  have the same or substantially similar diameter or outer profile. In the illustrated embodiment, the core  370  includes tapered transitions between section  374  and each of the distal tip  372  and section  376 . However, in other embodiments the transitions are stepped. The core  370  is secured to the body  302  via recess or opening  378  defined in the proximal portion  362  of the mounting structure  350 . In that regard, the recess or opening  378  extends along the length of the mounting structure  350  distally from the proximal end of the body  352 . In some embodiments, the recess or opening  378  is arranged such that a core positioned within the recess or opening  378  will be coaxially aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the mounting structure  350  and/or the guide wire into which the mounting structure is implemented. In other instances, the recess or opening is arranged such that a core positioned within the recess or opening  378  will be offset relative to a central longitudinal axis of the mounting structure  350  and/or the guide wire into which the mounting structure is implemented. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening  378  is configured such that the core  370  is offset slightly in a downward direction relative to a central longitudinal axis of the mounting structure  350  as view in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the recess or opening  378  includes a portion  380  and a portion  382 . Portion  382  extends distally from the proximal end of the body  302  to portion  380 . As shown, portion  380  has an increased diameter or outer profile relative to the portion  382 . In that regard, the recess or opening  378  and, in particular, the portions  380 ,  382  are sized and shaped to interface with a core wire. For example, in the illustrated embodiment portion  380  is sized and shaped to interface with the distal tip  372  of the core  370 , while portion  382  is sized and shaped to allow the distal tip  372  to pass therethrough to portion  380  and also to interface with section  374  of the core once the core is seated within the recess or opening  378 . In that regard, the core  370  is fixedly secured into place within the recess or opening  378  using solder  384  in some instances. In that regard, the solder  384  that fills portion  380  adheres to the distal tip  372  of the core  370  such that the distal tip and associated solder cannot pass through portion  382  of the recess or opening  378 , thereby mechanically and/or chemically securing the core  370  to the mounting structure  350 . Adhesive(s) and/or other suitable techniques for securing the core  370  to the body  352  are used in other instances. It is understood that the shape, size, and orientation of the recess or opening  378  can be varied to accommodate different types of cores, including different core shapes, sizes, and materials. Accordingly, for example, the recess or opening  378  may have a constant profile, one or more step-wise transitions, one or more tapered transitions, and/or other variations as appropriate. Further, it is understood that similar approaches are utilized to connect the distal core to the distal portion  364  of the body  352 . 
     Generally, the body  352  of the mounting structure  350  has a maximum height between about 0.125 mm and about 0.400 mm, a maximum width between about 0.28 mm and about 0.50 mm, and a length between about 1.5 mm and about 2.2 mm. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the mounting structure  350  have an overall rounded or arcuate profile, as shown in  FIG. 6 . In that regard, the radius or rate of curvature of the rounded/arcuate sides is determined based on the desired outer diameter (e.g., 0.014″, 0.018″, etc.) of the guide wire into which the mounting structure  350  will be incorporated. The rounded/arcuate shape of the body  352  is defined in step-wise manner by varying the width of adjacent material layers of a plurality of layers that make of the body  352  in some instances. In that regard, the body  352  is made up of a plurality of material layers, as discussed in detail above with respect to mounting structure  300 , in some embodiments. Again, by precisely defining the geometry of each layer and then arranging the layers together, the resulting body  352  can define very precise structures configured to provide structural support and interface with other components of a guide wire. To that end, in some embodiments manufacturing techniques are utilized that allow for micron-level precision in the manufacturing of each layer (such as those described above) and, therefore, result in micron-level precision in the resulting structure of the body  352 . This increased precision of the body  352  allows for the structural support required to limit the transfer of external forces (e.g., from curvature of the intravascular device passing through a vessel) to the sensing element, which can cause errors in the resulting measurements of the sensing element, to be achieved through a minimum sized mounting structure. As a result of the reduced size of the mounting structure  350  achievable using the multiple layer arrangements of the present disclosure, the overall flexibility of the distal portion of the intravascular device can be increased, which leads to better maneuverability and control of the intravascular device. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , shown therein is a mounting structure  400  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As will be discussed below, mounting structure  400  is configured to interface with and be secured to a hypotube, coil, and/or other element that at least partially surrounds the mounting structure. Accordingly, for example, in some embodiments where the mounting structure  400  is utilized as mounting structure  218  of intravascular device  200  discussed above, the mounting structure is secured to flexible element  224  and/or flexible element  210 . The mounting structure  400  is also secured to a proximal core and/or distal core in some embodiments. 
     As shown, mounting structure  400  includes a body  402  having various structural features to facilitate interfacing with other components of the intravascular device. For example, the body  402  includes a recess  404  configured to receive a sensing component of the intravascular device. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess  404  is particularly suited for use with a pressure sensing element. In that regard, the recess  404  includes a portion  406  and a portion  408 . Portion  406  has a wider profile than portion  408 . Accordingly, in some implementations portion  406  is sized and shaped to receive a main body of a pressure sensing element, while portion  408  is sized and shaped to receive a portion of an active portion of the pressure sensing element (e.g., a cantilevered structure including a pressure-sensing diaphragm). In some instances, the portion  408  is recessed a greater distance relative to an upper surface (as viewed in  FIG. 8 ) of the body  402  than portion  406 . Such an arrangement allows the diaphragm or other pressure sensing portion to be positioned face up and/or face down within the recess  408 . In other instances, the portions  406  and  408  have the same depth relative to an upper surface of the body  402 . The body  402  also includes recesses  410 ,  412 , and  414  proximal of the recess  404  and adjacent a proximal portion  316  of the body. As shown in  FIG. 8 , recess  414  is recessed a greater distance relative to the upper surface of the body  402  than recess  412 , while recess  412  is recessed a greater distance relative to the upper surface of the body  402  than recess  410 . In some instances, recess  414  is sized and shaped to facilitate connection of a proximal core to the body  402 . In some instances, recess  412  is sized and shaped to facilitate passage of a trifilar and/or other type of communication cable from the body  402  to within a lumen of a hypotube or other tubular structural coupled to the proximal portion of the body. In some instances, recess  410  is sized and shaped to facilitate connection of conductors to a sensing element mounted within recess  404 . For example, in some implementations conductors of a trifilar are connected to a pressure sensing element seated within recess  404  by positioning the conductors within and along recess  410 . The body  402  includes a distal portion  418  opposite proximal portion  416  that is configured to interface with components of the distal tip of the guide wire, such as a distal core, distal coil, and/or other features. 
     Generally, the body  402  of the mounting structure  400  has a maximum height between about 0.125 mm and about 0.400 mm, a maximum width between about 0.28 mm and about 0.50 mm, and a length between about 1.5 mm and about 2.2 mm. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the mounting structure  400  have an overall rounded or arcuate profile, as shown in  FIG. 9 . In that regard, the radius or rate of curvature of the rounded/arcuate sides is determined based on the desired outer diameter (e.g., 0.014″, 0.018″, etc.) of the guide wire into which the mounting structure  400  will be incorporated. The rounded/arcuate shape of the body  402  is defined in step-wise manner by varying the width of adjacent material layers of a plurality of layers that make of the body  402  in some instances. In that regard, the body  402  is made up of a plurality of material layers, as discussed in detail above with respect to mounting structure  300 , in some embodiments. Again, by precisely defining the geometry of each layer and then arranging the layers together, the resulting body  402  can define very precise structures configured to provide structural support and interface with other components of a guide wire. To that end, in some embodiments manufacturing techniques are utilized that allow for micron-level precision in the manufacturing of each layer (such as those described above) and, therefore, result in micron-level precision in the resulting structure of the body  402 . This increased precision of the body  402  allows for the structural support required to limit the transfer of external forces (e.g., from curvature of the intravascular device passing through a vessel) to the sensing element, which can cause errors in the resulting measurements of the sensing element, to be achieved through a minimum sized mounting structure. As a result of the reduced size of the mounting structure  400  achievable using the multiple layer arrangements of the present disclosure, the overall flexibility of the distal portion of the intravascular device can be increased, which leads to better maneuverability and control of the intravascular device. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10-23 , shown therein are additional exemplary embodiments of mounting structures according to present disclosure. In that regard, the mounting structures of  FIGS. 10-23  incorporate many of the features discussed above with respect to mounting structures  300 ,  350 , and  400  and may be manufactured using similar techniques. Accordingly, the following discussion focuses on the general structures of the illustrated embodiments. In that regard, common reference numerals are used across different embodiments to represent similar structural features. Further, it should be noted that the mounting structures illustrated in  FIGS. 3-23  are drawn to scale and therefore, the structural arrangements of the mounting structures are to scale. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , shown therein is a mounting structure  450  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, mounting structure  450  includes a body  452  having various structural features to facilitate interfacing with other components of an intravascular device, such as a guide wire. For example, the body  452  includes a recess  454  extending from an upper surface that is configured to receive a sensing component of the intravascular device. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess  454  is particularly suited for use with a pressure sensing element. In that regard, the recess  454  includes a portion  456  and a portion  458 . Portion  456  has a wider profile than portion  458 . Accordingly, in some implementations portion  456  is sized and shaped to receive a main body of a pressure sensing element, while portion  458  is sized and shaped to receive a portion of an active portion of the pressure sensing element (e.g., a cantilevered structure including a pressure-sensing diaphragm). In some instances, the portion  458  is recessed a greater distance relative to an upper surface of the body  452  than portion  456 . Such an arrangement allows the diaphragm or other pressure sensing portion to be positioned face up and/or face down within the recess  458 . In other instances, the portions  456  and  458  have the same depth relative to an upper surface of the body  452 . 
     The body  452  also includes a recess or opening  460  extending from a bottom surface (i.e., opposite of recess  454 ) that is configured to facilitate coupling of a core to the body  452 . In the illustrated embodiment, the recess or opening  460  extends along the length of the mounting structure  450  distally from the proximal end of the body  452 . In some embodiments, the recess or opening  460  is arranged such that a core positioned within the recess or opening  460  will be coaxially aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the mounting structure  450  and/or the guide wire into which the mounting structure is implemented. In other instances, the recess or opening is arranged such that a core positioned within the recess or opening  460  will be offset relative to a central longitudinal axis of the mounting structure  450  and/or the guide wire into which the mounting structure is implemented. As shown, the recess or opening  460  includes a portion  462  and a portion  464 . Portion  462  extends distally from the proximal end of the body  452  to portion  464 . As shown, portion  464  has an increased diameter or outer profile relative to the portion  462 . In that regard, the recess or opening  460  and, in particular, the portions  462 ,  464  are sized and shaped to interface with a core wire. For example, in some instances portion  464  is sized and shaped to interface with a distal tip of the core, while portion  462  is sized and shaped to allow the distal tip to pass therethrough to portion  464 . In that regard, the core is fixedly secured into place within the recess or opening  460  using solder, adhesive, and/or other suitable techniques in some instances. Accordingly, proximal portion  466  of the body  452  is configured to interface with the core and/or other components of the guide wire positioned proximal of the sensing element. The body  452  includes a distal portion  468  opposite proximal portion  466  that is configured to interface with components of the distal tip of the guide wire, such as a distal core, distal coil, and/or other features. 
     In some implementations for use within a guide wire having an outer diameter of 0.014″, the body  452  of the mounting structure  450  has a maximum height about 0.125 mm and about 0.400 mm, a maximum width between about 0.28 mm and about 0.50 mm, and a length between about 1.5 mm and about 2.2 mm, with some particular embodiments having a maximum height of about 0.2 mm and a maximum width of about 0.295 mm. These dimensions can be scaled up or down for larger or smaller diameter guide wires. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the mounting structure  450  have an overall rounded or arcuate profile (not shown, but see examples with respect to mounting structures  300 ,  350 , and  400  above). In that regard, the radius or rate of curvature of the rounded/arcuate sides is determined based on the desired outer diameter (e.g., 0.014″, 0.018″, etc.) of the guide wire into which the mounting structure  450  will be incorporated. The rounded/arcuate shape of the body  452  is defined in step-wise manner by varying the width of adjacent material layers of a plurality of layers that make of the body  452  in some instances. In that regard, the body  452  is made up of a plurality of material layers, as discussed in detail above, in some embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , shown therein is a mounting structure  470  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, mounting structure  470  includes a body  472  having a proximal portion  474 , a distal portion  476 , and various structural features to facilitate interfacing with other components of an intravascular device, such as a guide wire. For example, the body  472  includes recess  454  having portions  456  and  458  as described above. The body  472  also includes a recess or opening  460  extending from a bottom surface (i.e., opposite of recess  454 ) that is configured to facilitate coupling of a core to the body  472  as described above. Accordingly, proximal portion  474  of the body  472  is configured to interface with the core and/or other components of the guide wire positioned proximal of the sensing element. 
     The distal portion  476  of the body is configured to interface with components of the distal tip of the guide wire, such as a distal core, distal coil, and/or other features. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal portion  476  of the body  472  includes a recess or opening  480  extending from a bottom surface (i.e., opposite of recess  454 ) that is configured to facilitate coupling of a distal core to the body  472 . As shown, the recess or opening  480  includes a portion  482  and a portion  484 . Portion  482  extends proximally from the distal end of the body  472  to portion  484 . As shown, portion  484  has an increased diameter or outer profile relative to the portion  482 . In that regard, the recess or opening  480  and, in particular, the portions  482 ,  484  are sized and shaped to interface with a core wire. For example, in some instances portion  484  is sized and shaped to interface with a proximal tip of the core, while portion  482  is sized and shaped to allow the proximal tip to pass therethrough to portion  484 . In that regard, the core is fixedly secured into place within the recess or opening  480  using solder, adhesive, and/or other suitable techniques in some instances. 
     In some implementations for use within a guide wire having an outer diameter of 0.014″, the body  472  of the mounting structure  470  has a maximum height about 0.125 mm and about 0.400 mm, a maximum width between about 0.28 mm and about 0.50 mm, and a length between about 1.5 mm and about 2.2 mm, with some particular embodiments having a maximum height of about 0.2 mm and a maximum width of about 0.295 mm. These dimensions can be scaled up or down for larger or smaller diameter guide wires. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the mounting structure  470  have an overall rounded or arcuate profile (not shown, but see examples with respect to mounting structures  300 ,  350 , and  400  above). In that regard, the radius or rate of curvature of the rounded/arcuate sides is determined based on the desired outer diameter (e.g., 0.014″, 0.018″, etc.) of the guide wire into which the mounting structure  470  will be incorporated. The rounded/arcuate shape of the body  472  is defined in step-wise manner by varying the width of adjacent material layers of a plurality of layers that make of the body  472  in some instances. In that regard, the body  472  is made up of a plurality of material layers, as discussed in detail above, in some embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , shown therein is a mounting structure  490  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In that regard, mounting structure  490  is similar to mounting structure  450  of  FIG. 10  in many respects. However, mounting structure  490  includes three body portions separated by narrower bridges or links, instead of a single body structure. In particular, mounting structure  490  includes a central body  492 , a proximal body  494  adjacent a proximal portion  496 , and a distal body  498  adjacent a distal portion  500 . The central body  492  includes recess  454  extending from an upper surface that is configured to receive a sensing component of the intravascular device. Further, proximal body  494  includes a recess or opening  460  extending from a bottom surface (i.e., opposite of recess  454 ) that is configured to facilitate coupling of a core to the mounting structure  490 . Further still, the distal body  498  is configured to interface with components of the distal tip of the guide wire, such as a distal core, distal coil, and/or other features. 
     As shown, the proximal body  494  is connected to the central body  492  by a bridge  502 , while the distal body  498  is connected to the central body  492  by a bridge  504 . As shown, the bridges  502 ,  504  have a reduced profile relative to the proximal, central, and distal bodies  494 ,  492 , and  496 . In that regard, in some implementations the bridges  502 ,  504  are defined by a fewer number of material layers than the proximal, central, and distal bodies  494 ,  492 , and  496 . In some embodiments, the bridges  502 ,  504  have an outer diameter or other outer profile (e.g., for other geometric and non-geometric cross-sectional profiles) approximately the size of a core wire used within the intravascular device. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the bridges  502 ,  504  have an outer diameter or other outer profile between about 0.075 mm and about 0.125 mm. Further, in some embodiments the bridges  502 ,  504  have a length along the longitudinal axis of the mounting structure  490  between about 0.1 mm and about 0.5 mm. It should be noted that while bridges  502 ,  504  are shown as having substantially similar structural profiles, in other embodiments that outer profiles and/or lengths of the bridges  502 ,  504  are different. In some embodiments, the bridges  502 ,  504  are integrally formed with the proximal, central, and distal bodies  494 ,  492 , and  496 . In other embodiments, the bridges  502 ,  504  are formed separately and fixedly attached to the proximal, central, and distal bodies  494 ,  492 , and  496 . 
     In some implementations for use within a guide wire having an outer diameter of 0.014″, the mounting structure  490  has a maximum height between about 0.125 mm and about 0.400 mm, a maximum width between about 0.28 mm and about 0.50 mm, and a length between about 0.16 mm and about 2.7 mm, with one particular embodiment having a maximum height of about 0.225 mm, a maximum width of about 0.295 mm, and a length of about 1.8 mm. These dimensions can be scaled up or down for larger or smaller diameter guide wires. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the mounting structure  490  have an overall rounded or arcuate profile (not shown, but see examples with respect to mounting structures  300 ,  350 , and  400  above). In that regard, the radius or rate of curvature of the rounded/arcuate sides is determined based on the desired outer diameter (e.g., 0.014″, 0.018″, etc.) of the guide wire into which the mounting structure  490  will be incorporated. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , shown therein is a mounting structure  510  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In that regard, mounting structure  510  is similar to mounting structure  470  of  FIG. 11  in many respects. However, mounting structure  510  includes three body portions separated by narrower bridges or links, instead of a single body structure. In particular, mounting structure  510  includes a central body  512 , a proximal body  514  adjacent a proximal portion  516 , and a distal body  518  adjacent a distal portion  520 . The central body  512  includes recess  454  extending from an upper surface that is configured to receive a sensing component of the intravascular device. Further, proximal body  514  includes a recess or opening  460  extending from a bottom surface (i.e., opposite of recess  454 ) that is configured to facilitate coupling of a core to the mounting structure  510 . Further still, the distal body  518  is configured to interface with components of the distal tip of the guide wire, such as a distal core, distal coil, and/or other features, and includes a recess or opening  480  extending from the bottom surface (i.e., opposite of recess  454 ). As shown, the proximal body  514  is connected to the central body  512  by a bridge  502 , while the distal body  518  is connected to the central body  512  by a bridge  504 . 
     In some embodiments, the bridges  502 ,  504  have an outer diameter or other outer profile (e.g., for other geometric and non-geometric cross-sectional profiles) approximately the size of a core wire used within the intravascular device. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the bridges  502 ,  504  have an outer diameter or other outer profile between 0.075 mm and about 0.125 mm. Further, in some embodiments the bridges  502 ,  504  have a length along the longitudinal axis of the mounting structure between about 0.1 mm and about 0.5 mm. In that regard, the bridges  502 ,  504  of  FIGS. 12 and 13  have a length of about 0.175 mm, whereas  FIG. 14  illustrates a mounting structure  530  substantially similar to mounting structure  510 , but with bridges  532 ,  534  having an increased length of about 0.5 mm. It should be noted that while bridges  502 ,  504  are shown as having substantially similar structural profiles, in other embodiments that outer profiles and/or lengths of the bridges  502 ,  504  are different. In some embodiments, the bridges  502 ,  504  are integrally formed with the proximal, central, and distal bodies  494 ,  492 , and  496  (e.g., using a fewer number of material layers). In other embodiments, the bridges  502 ,  504  are formed separately and fixedly attached to the proximal, central, and distal bodies  494 ,  492 , and  496 . 
     In some implementations for use within a guide wire having an outer diameter of 0.014″, the mounting structure  510  has a maximum height between about 0.125 mm and about 0.400 mm, a maximum width between about 0.28 mm and about 0.50 mm, and a length between about 0.16 mm and about 2.7 mm, with one particular embodiment having a maximum height of about 0.225 mm, a maximum width of about 0.295 mm, and a length of about 2.45 mm. These dimensions can be scaled up or down for larger or smaller diameter guide wires. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the mounting structure  510  have an overall rounded or arcuate profile (not shown, but see examples with respect to mounting structures  300 ,  350 , and  400  above). In that regard, the radius or rate of curvature of the rounded/arcuate sides is determined based on the desired outer diameter (e.g., 0.014″, 0.018″, etc.) of the guide wire into which the mounting structure  510  will be incorporated. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , shown therein is a mounting structure  550  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, mounting structure  550  includes a body  552 , having a proximal portion  554  and a distal portion  556 , that includes various structural features to facilitate interfacing with other components of an intravascular device, such as a guide wire. For example, the body  552  includes recess  454  extending from an upper surface that is configured to receive a sensing component of the intravascular device. The body  552  also includes a recess or opening  560  extending from a bottom surface (i.e., opposite of recess  454 ) that is configured to facilitate coupling of a core to the body  552 . In the illustrated embodiment, the recess or opening  560  extends along the length of the mounting structure  550  distally from the proximal end of the body  552 . In some embodiments, the recess or opening  560  is arranged such that the majority of a core positioned within the recess or opening  560  will be coaxially aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the mounting structure  550  and/or the guide wire into which the mounting structure is implemented. In other instances, the recess or opening is arranged such that a core positioned within the recess or opening  560  will be offset relative to a central longitudinal axis of the mounting structure  550  and/or the guide wire into which the mounting structure is implemented. As shown, the recess or opening  560  includes proximal and distal portions  562  and  564  that are generally aligned with one another and a central portion  566  positioned between and offset relative to the proximal and distal portions  562 ,  564 . In that regard, the central portion  566  is in communication with the proximal and distal portion  562 ,  564 . As shown, portion  562  extends distally from the proximal end of the body  552  to portion  566 , which continues distally to portion  564 . The recess or opening  560  and, in particular, the portions  562 ,  564 , and  566  are sized and shaped to interface with a core wire. In some instances the recess or opening  560  is sized and shaped to interface with a distal tip of a proximal core. In that regard, the core is fixedly secured into place within the recess or opening  560  using solder, adhesive, and/or other suitable techniques in some instances. In that regard, the offset of central portion  566  provides a mechanical locking feature with respect to the solder, adhesive, and/or other suitable bonding technique in some instances. Further, in some instances the transitions between the proximal and distal portions  562 ,  564  create one or more bend(s) in the distal tip of the core to further facilitate mechanical coupling between the core and the mounting structure  550 . In that regard, the illustrated slot design provides not only locking capability from a tensile force, but the jogged shape also ensures a good torsional force transmission. Accordingly, proximal portion  554  of the body  552  is configured to interface with the core and/or other components of the guide wire positioned proximal of the sensing element. The distal portion  556  of the body  552  is configured to interface with components of the distal tip of the guide wire, such as a distal core, distal coil, and/or other features. 
     In some implementations for use within a guide wire having an outer diameter of 0.014″, the body  552  of the mounting structure  550  has a maximum height between about 0.125 mm and about 0.400 mm, a maximum width between about 0.28 mm and about 0.50 mm, and a length between about 1.5 mm and about 2.2 mm, with some particular embodiments having a maximum height of about 0.2 mm and a maximum width of about 0.295 mm. These dimensions can be scaled up or down for larger or smaller diameter guide wires. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the mounting structure  550  have an overall rounded or arcuate profile (not shown, but see examples with respect to mounting structures  300 ,  350 , and  400  above). In that regard, the radius or rate of curvature of the rounded/arcuate sides is determined based on the desired outer diameter (e.g., 0.014″, 0.018″, etc.) of the guide wire into which the mounting structure  550  will be incorporated. The rounded/arcuate shape of the body  552  is defined in step-wise manner by varying the width of adjacent material layers of a plurality of layers that make of the body  552  in some instances. In that regard, the body  552  is made up of a plurality of material layers, as discussed in detail above, in some embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , shown therein is a mounting structure  570  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, mounting structure  570  includes a body  572  having a proximal portion  574 , a distal portion  576 , and various structural features to facilitate interfacing with other components of an intravascular device, such as a guide wire. For example, the body  572  includes recess  454  having portions  456  and  458  as described above. The body  572  also includes a recess or opening  560  extending from a bottom surface (i.e., opposite of recess  454 ) that is configured to facilitate coupling of a core to the body  572  as described above. Accordingly, proximal portion  574  of the body  572  is configured to interface with the core and/or other components of the guide wire positioned proximal of the sensing element. The distal portion  576  of the body is configured to interface with components of the distal tip of the guide wire, such as a distal core, distal coil, and/or other features. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal portion  576  of the body  572  includes a recess or opening  480  extending from a bottom surface (i.e., opposite of recess  454 ) that is configured to facilitate coupling of a distal core to the body  572 . 
     In some implementations for use within a guide wire having an outer diameter of 0.014″, the body  572  of the mounting structure  570  has a maximum height between about 0.125 mm and about 0.400 mm, a maximum width between about 0.28 mm and about 0.50 mm, and a length between about 1.5 mm and about 2.2 mm, with some particular embodiments having a maximum height of about 0.2 mm and a maximum width of about 0.295 mm. These dimensions can be scaled up or down for larger or smaller diameter guide wires. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the mounting structure  570  have an overall rounded or arcuate profile (not shown, but see examples with respect to mounting structures  300 ,  350 , and  400  above). In that regard, the radius or rate of curvature of the rounded/arcuate sides is determined based on the desired outer diameter (e.g., 0.014″, 0.018″, etc.) of the guide wire into which the mounting structure  450  will be incorporated. The rounded/arcuate shape of the body  572  is defined in step-wise manner by varying the width of adjacent material layers of a plurality of layers that make of the body  572  in some instances. In that regard, the body  572  is made up of a plurality of material layers, as discussed in detail above, in some embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 17 , shown therein is a mounting structure  590  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In that regard, mounting structure  590  is similar to mounting structure  550  of  FIG. 15  in many respects. However, mounting structure  590  includes three body portions separated by narrower bridges or links, instead of a single body structure. In particular, mounting structure  590  includes a central body  592 , a proximal body  594  adjacent a proximal portion  596 , and a distal body  598  adjacent a distal portion  600 . The central body  592  includes recess  454  extending from an upper surface that is configured to receive a sensing component of the intravascular device. Further, proximal body  594  includes a recess or opening  560  extending from a bottom surface (i.e., opposite of recess  454 ) that is configured to facilitate coupling of a core to the mounting structure  590 . Further still, the distal body  598  is configured to interface with components of the distal tip of the guide wire, such as a distal core, distal coil, and/or other features. As shown, the proximal body  594  is connected to the central body  592  by a bridge  502 , while the distal body  598  is connected to the central body  592  by a bridge  504 . 
     In some implementations for use within a guide wire having an outer diameter of 0.014″, the mounting structure  590  has a maximum height between about 0.125 mm and about 0.400 mm, a maximum width between about 0.28 mm and about 0.50 mm, and a length between about 0.16 mm and about 2.7 mm, with one particular embodiment having a maximum height of about 0.225 mm, a maximum width of about 0.295 mm, and a length of about 1.8 mm. These dimensions can be scaled up or down for larger or smaller diameter guide wires. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the mounting structure  590  have an overall rounded or arcuate profile (not shown, but see examples with respect to mounting structures  300 ,  350 , and  400  above). In that regard, the radius or rate of curvature of the rounded/arcuate sides is determined based on the desired outer diameter (e.g., 0.014″, 0.018″, etc.) of the guide wire into which the mounting structure  590  will be incorporated. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 18 , shown therein is a mounting structure  610  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In that regard, mounting structure  610  is similar to mounting structure  570  of  FIG. 16  in many respects. However, mounting structure  610  includes three body portions separated by narrower bridges or links, instead of a single body structure. In particular, mounting structure  610  includes a central body  612 , a proximal body  614  adjacent a proximal portion  616 , and a distal body  618  adjacent a distal portion  620 . The central body  612  includes recess  454  extending from an upper surface that is configured to receive a sensing component of the intravascular device. Further, proximal body  614  includes a recess or opening  560  extending from a bottom surface (i.e., opposite of recess  454 ) that is configured to facilitate coupling of a core to the mounting structure  610 . Further still, the distal body  618  is configured to interface with components of the distal tip of the guide wire, such as a distal core, distal coil, and/or other features, and includes a recess or opening  480  extending from the bottom surface (i.e., opposite of recess  454 ). As shown, the proximal body  614  is connected to the central body  612  by a bridge  502 , while the distal body  618  is connected to the central body  612  by a bridge  504 . 
     In some implementations for use within a guide wire having an outer diameter of 0.014″, the mounting structure  610  has a maximum height between about 0.125 mm and about 0.400 mm, a maximum width between about 0.28 mm and about 0.50 mm, and a length between about 0.16 mm and about 2.7 mm, with one particular embodiment having a maximum height of about 0.225 mm, a maximum width of about 0.295 mm, and a length of about 1.8 mm. These dimensions can be scaled up or down for larger or smaller diameter guide wires. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the mounting structure  610  have an overall rounded or arcuate profile (not shown, but see examples with respect to mounting structures  300 ,  350 , and  400  above). In that regard, the radius or rate of curvature of the rounded/arcuate sides is determined based on the desired outer diameter (e.g., 0.014″, 0.018″, etc.) of the guide wire into which the mounting structure  610  will be incorporated. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 19-23 , shown therein are mounting structures according to additional embodiments of the present disclosure. In that regard, the embodiments of  FIGS. 19-23  are similar in many respects to the embodiments of  FIGS. 10, 11, 13, 15, and 16 , respectively, but include an alternative recess design for interfacing with a sensing component compared to recess  454  discussed above. For example, referring more specifically to  FIG. 19 , shown therein is a mounting structure  630  that includes a body  632  having various structural features to facilitate interfacing with other components of an intravascular device, such as a guide wire. For example, the body  632  includes a recess  634  extending from an upper surface that is configured to receive a sensing component of the intravascular device. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess  634  is particularly suited for use with a pressure sensing element. In that regard, the recess  634  includes a planar surface portion  636  sized and shaped to receive a body of a pressure sensing element. Further, in the illustrated embodiment the body  632  includes an opening  638  extending through the body from an upper surface to a lower surface. In some instances, a diaphragm and/or other pressure sensitive portion of a pressure sensing element mounted within recess  634  is in fluid communication with the opening  638 . In some particular embodiments, the diaphragm and/or other pressure sensitive portion of the pressure sensing element is positioned directly over the opening  638  (either face down (i.e., diaphragm or other pressure sensitive portion towards the opening  638 ) or face up (i.e., diaphragm or other pressure sensitive portion away from the opening  638 )) when mounted. As shown, the body  632  includes a recess or opening  460  adjacent a proximal portion  640 . The recess or opening  460  extends from a bottom surface (i.e., opposite of recess  634 ) that is configured to facilitate coupling of a core to the body  632 . The body  632  also includes a distal portion  642  opposite proximal portion  640  that is configured to interface with components of the distal tip of the guide wire, such as a distal core, distal coil, and/or other features. 
     In some implementations for use within a guide wire having an outer diameter of 0.014″, the body  632  of the mounting structure  630  has a maximum height between about 0.125 mm and about 0.400 mm, a maximum width between about 0.28 mm and about 0.50 mm, and a length between about 1.5 mm and about 2.2 mm, with some particular embodiments having a maximum height of about 0.2 mm and a maximum width of about 0.295 mm. These dimensions can be scaled up or down for larger or smaller diameter guide wires. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the mounting structure  630  have an overall rounded or arcuate profile (not shown, but see examples with respect to mounting structures  300 ,  350 , and  400  above). In that regard, the radius or rate of curvature of the rounded/arcuate sides is determined based on the desired outer diameter (e.g., 0.014″, 0.018″, etc.) of the guide wire into which the mounting structure  630  will be incorporated. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 20 , shown therein is a mounting structure  650  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, mounting structure  650  includes a body  652  having a proximal portion  654 , a distal portion  656 , and various structural features to facilitate interfacing with other components of an intravascular device, such as a guide wire. For example, the body  652  includes recess  634  and opening  638  as described above. The body  652  also includes a recess or opening  460  extending from a bottom surface (i.e., opposite of recess  634 ) that is configured to facilitate coupling of a core to the body  652 . The distal portion  656  of the body is configured to interface with components of the distal tip of the guide wire, such as a distal core, distal coil, and/or other features. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal portion  656  of the body  652  includes a recess or opening  480  extending from a bottom surface (i.e., opposite of recess  634 ) that is configured to facilitate coupling of a distal core to the body  472 . 
     In some implementations for use within a guide wire having an outer diameter of 0.014″, the body  652  of the mounting structure  650  has a maximum height between about 0.125 mm and about 0.400 mm, a maximum width between about 0.28 mm and about 0.50 mm, and a length between about 1.5 mm and about 2.2 mm, with some particular embodiments having a maximum height of about 0.2 mm and a maximum width of about 0.295 mm. These dimensions can be scaled up or down for larger or smaller diameter guide wires. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the mounting structure  650  have an overall rounded or arcuate profile (not shown, but see examples with respect to mounting structures  300 ,  350 , and  400  above). In that regard, the radius or rate of curvature of the rounded/arcuate sides is determined based on the desired outer diameter (e.g., 0.014″, 0.018″, etc.) of the guide wire into which the mounting structure  650  will be incorporated. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 21 , shown therein is a mounting structure  660  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, mounting structure  660  includes a central body  662 , a proximal body  664  adjacent a proximal portion  666 , and a distal body  668  adjacent a distal portion  670 , and various structural features to facilitate interfacing with other components of an intravascular device, such as a guide wire. For example, the central body  662  includes recess  634  and opening  638 . The proximal body  664  includes a recess or opening  460  extending from a bottom surface (i.e., opposite of recess  634 ) that is configured to facilitate coupling of a core to the mounting structure  660 . The distal body  668  includes a recess or opening  480  extending from a bottom surface (i.e., opposite of recess  634 ) that is configured to facilitate coupling of a distal core to the distal body  668 . As shown, the proximal body  664  is connected to the central body  662  by a bridge  502 , while the distal body  668  is connected to the central body  662  by a bridge  504 . 
     In some implementations for use within a guide wire having an outer diameter of 0.014″, the mounting structure  660  has a maximum about 0.125 mm and about 0.400 mm, a maximum width between about 0.28 mm and about 0.50 mm, and a length between about 0.16 mm and about 2.7 mm, with one particular embodiment having a maximum height of about 0.225 mm, a maximum width of about 0.295 mm, and a length of about 1.8 mm. These dimensions can be scaled up or down for larger or smaller diameter guide wires. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the mounting structure  660  have an overall rounded or arcuate profile (not shown, but see examples with respect to mounting structures  300 ,  350 , and  400  above). In that regard, the radius or rate of curvature of the rounded/arcuate sides is determined based on the desired outer diameter (e.g., 0.014″, 0.018″, etc.) of the guide wire into which the mounting structure  660  will be incorporated. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 22 , shown therein is a mounting structure  680  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, mounting structure  680  includes a body  682  having a proximal portion  684  and a distal portion  686  with various structural features to facilitate interfacing with other components of an intravascular device, such as a guide wire. For example, the body  682  includes recess  634  and opening  638 . The body  682  also includes a recess or opening  560  extending from a bottom surface (i.e., opposite of recess  634 ) that is configured to facilitate coupling of a core to the mounting structure  680 . The distal portion of body  682  is configured to interface with components of the distal tip of the guide wire, such as a distal core, distal coil, and/or other features. 
     In some implementations for use within a guide wire having an outer diameter of 0.014″, the mounting structure  680  has a maximum height between about 0.125 mm and about 0.400 mm, a maximum width between about 0.28 mm and about 0.50 mm, and a length between about 1.5 mm and about 2.2 mm, with some particular embodiments having a maximum height of about 0.2 mm and a maximum width of about 0.295 mm. These dimensions can be scaled up or down for larger or smaller diameter guide wires. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the mounting structure  680  have an overall rounded or arcuate profile (not shown, but see examples with respect to mounting structures  300 ,  350 , and  400  above). In that regard, the radius or rate of curvature of the rounded/arcuate sides is determined based on the desired outer diameter (e.g., 0.014″, 0.018″, etc.) of the guide wire into which the mounting structure  680  will be incorporated. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 23 , shown therein is a mounting structure  690  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, mounting structure  690  includes a body  692  having a proximal portion  694  and a distal portion  696  with various structural features to facilitate interfacing with other components of an intravascular device, such as a guide wire. For example, the body  692  includes recess  634  and opening  638 . The body  692  also includes a recess or opening  560  extending from a bottom surface (i.e., opposite of recess  634 ) that is configured to facilitate coupling of a core to the mounting structure  690 . The distal portion  696  of body  692  includes a recess or opening  480  extending from a bottom surface (i.e., opposite of recess  634 ) that is configured to facilitate coupling of a distal core to the body  692 . 
     In some implementations for use within a guide wire having an outer diameter of 0.014″, the mounting structure  690  has a maximum height between about 0.125 mm and about 0.400 mm, a maximum width between about 0.28 mm and about 0.50 mm, and a length between about 1.5 mm and about 2.2 mm, with some particular embodiments having a maximum height of about 0.2 mm and a maximum width of about 0.295 mm. These dimensions can be scaled up or down for larger or smaller diameter guide wires. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the mounting structure  690  have an overall rounded or arcuate profile (not shown, but see examples with respect to mounting structures  300 ,  350 , and  400  above). In that regard, the radius or rate of curvature of the rounded/arcuate sides is determined based on the desired outer diameter (e.g., 0.014″, 0.018″, etc.) of the guide wire into which the mounting structure  690  will be incorporated. 
     Persons skilled in the art will also recognize that the apparatus, systems, and methods described above can be modified in various ways. Accordingly, persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the embodiments encompassed by the present disclosure are not limited to the particular exemplary embodiments described above. In that regard, although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, change, and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. It is understood that such variations may be made to the foregoing without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the present disclosure.