Importance

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Abstract

A vascular catheter guidewire comprises a length of wire having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central portion between the ends having a first diameter range. Typically the range of first diameters is quite narrow and within the dimensions of 0.01 and 0.02 inch. Both the distal end and the proximal end of the guidewire catheter each comprise a tip of greater flexibility than the wire of the central portion of the guidewire. The distal end tip and the proximal end tip are each defined by a length of wire which is integral with the central portion of wire and each has a range of diameters that is less than the range of first diameters. Typically, the diameters of the tip portion wires are on the order of 0.006 to 0.008 inch. The proximal end tip is significantly shorter than the distal end tip. The distal end tip is typically of greater flexibility than the proximal end tip. The proximal end tip is used to provide a blunt, flexible tip that does not tear rubber gloves or injure the fingers as the guidewire is manipulated from the proximal end. Nevertheless, because the proximal end tip is stiffer than the distal end tip, it is more capable of supporting a push of the guidewire, without tearing the rubber gloves for desired medical purposes, and it may be used with a torquing device.

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First Claim