Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides a medical guide wire and a method of making same in which, an elongated solid core wire is made of NiTi alloy with a Ni content of about between 55.0 and 56.5 wt % and a reverse martensitic transformation start temperature (As) in the fully annealed state of not more than 55.degree. C. The wire has been thermomechanically processed to exhibit a work-hardened pseudoelasticity. After the last full annealing to regain workability, the wire is cold drawn with a significant amount of cold reduction of greater than 35%, but preferably greater than 38% The entire guide wire is subjected to the same heat treatment. The wire is formed into an elongated solid core. The heating step includes passing the wire through a tube furnace at substantially 280.degree. C. to 370.degree. C. The entire guide wire is subjected to the same heat treating step. The guide wire has centerless grinding performed at an appropriate stage to provide a taper section and a distal section. There may be a coil attached around the distal section of the guide wire and which is made of a deformable material so that it may be deformed to a different radius or angle. Later, an outer jacket is provided which surrounds the core.

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First Claim