Guide wire with deflectable tip and method

摘要

Guide wire for use in a medical procedure and for use with the power supply comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a bore extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. A core wire extends through the bore of the flexible elongate tubular member. A coil assembly is mounted on the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member and has a distal extremity. A rounded tip is formed on the distal extremity. An actuator member has at least a portion thereof disposed in the coil assembly and has proximal and distal extremities. The proximal extremity of the actuator member is secured to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member. The distal extremity of the actuator member is secured to the rounded tip. The actuator member has a portion thereof formed of a shape memory material and incorporating a shape member therein. A heater is disposed in the vicinity of said portion of the actuator member for heating said portion to cause it to assume the predetermined shape memory. Electrical conductors are connected to the heater and extending to the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member and are adapted to be connected to the power supply to supply energy to the heater.