Expandable tip medical devices and methods
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A guidewire comprising:
- a guidewire body having a proximal end and a distal end; and
a plurality of elements, each having a first end and a second end along a length of the respective element, the plurality of elements having (a) a proximal section fixed at an attachment location at a distal portion of the guidewire body, and (b) a distal section in which the plurality of elements diverge radially outward from the distal end of the guidewire body to form a compliant structure having an expanded profile that is greater than a radial dimension of the distal end of the guidewire body and being resiliently deformable to a reduced profile, where in the expanded profile the compliant structure provides a radial force in an outward circumferential direction from an axis of the guidewire body;
wherein each of the plurality of elements extends distally from the proximal section of the plurality of elements to the distal section, then invert, then extend proximally from the distal section to the proximal section such that both the first and second ends are disposed at the attachment location at the distal portion of the guidewire body.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Guidewires and methods of use of guidewires having improved atraumatic tips that can distribute force to lessen trauma as well as anchor the guidewire to facilitate improved catheter exchange.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A guidewire comprising:
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a guidewire body having a proximal end and a distal end; and a plurality of elements, each having a first end and a second end along a length of the respective element, the plurality of elements having (a) a proximal section fixed at an attachment location at a distal portion of the guidewire body, and (b) a distal section in which the plurality of elements diverge radially outward from the distal end of the guidewire body to form a compliant structure having an expanded profile that is greater than a radial dimension of the distal end of the guidewire body and being resiliently deformable to a reduced profile, where in the expanded profile the compliant structure provides a radial force in an outward circumferential direction from an axis of the guidewire body; wherein each of the plurality of elements extends distally from the proximal section of the plurality of elements to the distal section, then invert, then extend proximally from the distal section to the proximal section such that both the first and second ends are disposed at the attachment location at the distal portion of the guidewire body. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification