Core wire for a guide wire comprising a functionally graded alloy

摘要

Guide wires and catheters made from a functionally graded alloy comprising 3-10 weight % Al and 5-20 weight % Mn, the balance being substantially Cu and inevitable impurities. The functionally graded alloy is produced by forming the copper-based alloy, maintaining it at a temperature of at least 500° C. and rapidly cooling it, and then subjecting the alloy to an aging treatment by a gradient temperature heater.