Guidewire having a distal tip that can change its shape within a vessel

摘要

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a guidewire for navigating through body vessels. The guidewire has a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The guidewire includes an outer tube having proximal and distal ends, wherein the distal end of the tube is a flexible distal tip having a smooth closed distal end. The guidewire further includes a core wire having distal and proximal ends. The core wire distal end is elastic and will return to a preformed shape upon the removal of any stress applied thereto. The core wire can slide longitudinally within the tube between a retracted position, where the core wire distal end is proximal to the flexible distal tip. In the retracted position the tube applies sufficient stress to deform the core wire distal end. The core wire also slides to an extended position, wherein said core wire distal end is within and substantially surrounded by the flexible distal tip. Placing the core wire in the extended position removes the stress so that said core wire distal end and the flexible distal tip assume the preformed shape.