A steering device, such as for use in a guidewire for percutaneous transluminal insertion into the coronary vascular system is provided. The guidewire comprises an elongate flexible housing having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending through the length of the housing. The guidewire has a steering element secured within the lumen and adapted to displace the distal end of the housing in a lateral direction. At least one deflection wire extends through the flexible housing extending from a distal point of attachment to the proximal end. Axial movement of the deflection wire displaces a distal steering region of the housing in a lateral direction.