A wire guide (10) has a wire core (12) and a braided sheath (14). The wire core (10) includes a proximal and distal ends, wherein the braided sheath (14) is attached to the distal end of the wire core (12, 20). The braided sheath (14) is woven of a plurality of strands (23) and may be made of stainless steel, a shape memory alloy, or a radiopaque material. The wire guide (10) has a flexible tip (22) at the proximal end opposite the flexible pulling section (20). A stiff section (24) is provided between the flexible tip (22) and the flexible pulling section (20). Proximate the distal end of the wire core (12) a tapered section (26) is provided to increase flexibility of the wire guide. The braided sheath (14) is received over and attached to the wire core (12). A shoulder (28) is provided in the wire core (12) providing a smooth transition form the wire core (12) to the braided section (14). The braided sheath (14) extends from the shoulder (28) beyond the distal end of the wire core (12).
