Importance

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Abstract

A guide wire having a solid core wire which runs its entire length. The core wire has a proximal portion which constitutes the majority of its length and which tapers to a distal portion. The distal portion terminates in an atraumatic tip at the extreme distal end of the guide wire. In one embodiment a portion of the distal segment of the core wire adjacent the tip is flattened. The guide wire further includes an integral, flexible, flat wire coil attached to the core wire at its taper and to the core wire distal tip and running the entire distance therebetween. Lastly, the flattened wire coil has a non-metallic lubricous or hydrophilic coating on at least a portion of its exterior. In a preferred embodiment the proximal portion of the core wire tapers to a second diameter medial portion or segment which itself tapers to a third diameter distal segment. In another embodiment, the coils of the flat wire coil are closely wound or touching through a majority of the length of the coil and are separated adjacent the guide wire tip.

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First Claim