| abstract |
The present invention provides a wire guide ( 20 ) suitable for use in a body vessel, such as a peripheral vessel. The wire guide comprises a core member ( 22 ) and a first coiled member ( 40 ), each having proximal and distal ends. In one embodiment, the core member comprises at least one recessed portion ( 36 ), wherein the proximal end of the first coiled member is seated at least partially within the recessed portion to form a substantially flush exterior surface with the core member. The wire guide further preferably comprises a second coiled member ( 50 ) having proximal and distal ends, wherein the second coiled member is disposed distal to the first coiled member. The distal end of the first coiled member may be partially intertwined with the proximal end of. the second coiled member. A shaping ribbon ( 60 ) may be disposed substantially beneath the second coiled member to achieve a desired curvature at the distal tip of the wire guide. |