Shaping ribbon for guiding members

摘要

A shaping ribbon for intravascular guiding members such as guidewires which is formed from an alloy containing about 3 to about 30% rhenium and the balance essentially of tungsten and has a tensile strength of about 200 to about 600 ksi. The ribbon has a rectangular transverse cross section and the distal end of the ribbon is readily secured by laser or plasma arc welding to the distal end of a helical coil. Its proximal end is secured to the core element at an intermediate location by soldering or brazing. The ribbon has excellent strength and torque resistance.