Transseptal guidewire

摘要

A transseptal guidewire and methods for perforating the intra-atrial septum of the heart are disclosed. The transseptal guidewire has an elongated body, an end section biased in a curved configuration to define a proximal curve, and a distal section biased in a curved configuration to define a distal curve, the distal curve being oriented in a direction generally opposite that of the proximal curve.

主权项

1. A method of forming a transseptal guidewire configured to perforate the intra-atrial septum, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) forming an elongated body including a proximal section having a circular cross-section and an end section having a flattened outer cross-section; (b) forming a proximal curve in the end section of the elongated body having the flattened outer cross-section such that it is biased in a curved configuration, step (b) occurring after step (a); (c) forming a distal curve in a distal section of the end section such that it is biased in a curved configuration and oriented in a direction generally opposite that of the proximal curve thereby forming an S-shape, step (c) occurring after step (a); (d) forming a sharp pointed distal tip at an end of the distal section of the elongated body, the sharp pointed distal tip configured to perforate the intra-atrial septum; and (e) positioning at least one radiopaque marker on the elongated body in a location that is spaced from the distal tip, the distal curve and the proximal curve.