| 摘要 |
<p>A guidewire includes a proximal section; a distal section; and a protruding section, the protruding section being integral with the guidewire and disposed between the proximal and distal sections. The protruding section tapers in the distal direction to smoothly join with the distal section. According to another aspect of the invention, an intravascular catheter includes a catheter shaft having a work element attached to a distal section thereof; a center shaft disposed axially within the catheter shaft, the center shaft having a guidewire lumen therethrough, and a guidewire slidably disposed within the guidewire lumen, the guidewire including an integral and tapered protruding section near the distal tip thereof. When the guidewire is fully proximally retracted, the proximal surface of the protruding section faces and abuts against a corresponding distal-most surface of the catheter shaft to present a gradual transition from the guidewire to the distal section of the catheter shaft. According to another aspect, the present invention provides a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty balloon catheter including a catheter and center shaft, both of which include an axial lumen therethrough. An inflatable balloon is disposed near the distal end of the catheter shaft. The center shaft is disposed within the axial lumen of the catheter shaft. One or both of the catheter and center shafts include either a wire, a coil or a wire braid embedded therein or wound about an outer diameter thereof to enhance torqueability of the balloon catheter.</p> |
