Improved hybrid catheter guide wire apparatus and method

摘要

A hybrid catheter guide wire includes an elongate solid body having a tapered distal end over which is disposed a tubular section--about which a catheter may be threaded for guidance to a target location in a vasculature passageway of a body. Cuts are formed either by saw-cutting, laser cutting or etching at spaced-apart locations along at least a portion of the tubular section to increase its lateral flexibility, while maintaining its rotational torquability, and to control the direction and degree of flexure. <IMAGE>