Guide wire with multiple radiopaque sections and method of use

• US 6,179,788 B1
• Filed: 06/26/1996
• Issued: 01/30/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Scimed Life Systems Incorporated (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Sullivan, Daniel J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Thaler, Michael H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): LEWIS, WILLIAM W
• Application Number:
  US08/673,674
• Time in Patent Office: 1,679 Days
• Field of Search: 606/191, 606/192, 606/194, 606/195, 604/95-101, 604/101.01, 604/103.03, 604/103.04, 604/103.1, 128/657, 128/658, 128/772, 600/585
• US Class Current: 600/585
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0108 using radio-opaque or ultrasound markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/09 Guide wires
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/104 used for angioplasty

Abstract

A guide wire is disclosed which has a radiopaque distal lip and three or nor discrete highly radiopaque sections separated by relatively non-radiopaque sections. The highly radiopaque sections may be formed of coils and may have a width greater than their diameter. A method of marking the position of an intravascular anatomical feature (e.g., a stenosis) using the guide wire is also disclosed.

Claims

1. A guide wire for use in combination with a catheter, the guide wire comprising an elongate shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a distal tip, the distal tip being substantially more radiopaque than the proximal portion, the distal portion including three or more discrete highly radiopaque sections separated by relatively non-radiopaque sections.

2. A guide wire as in claim 1, wherein the highly radiopaque sections have a width and a diameter, the width being greater than the diameter.

3. A guide wire as in claim 1, wherein the relatively non-radiopaque sections have a width and a diameter, the width being greater than the diameter.

4. A guide wire as in claim 1, wherein the relatively non-radiopaque sections have a width greater than a width of the highly radiopaque sections.

5. A guide wire as in claim 1, wherein the distal tip comprises a coil.

6. A guide wire as in claim 5, wherein the proximal portion comprises a solid metal core.

7. A guide wire as in claim 1, wherein the radiopaque sections comprise coils.

8. A guide wire as in claim 1, wherein the distal portion includes four or more discrete highly radiopaque sections.

9. A guide wire as in claim 1, wherein the radiopaque sections are spaced 1-5 cm apart.

10. A guide wire as in claim 1, wherein the radiopaque sections are 1 mm in width.

11. A method of marking the position of an intravascular feature, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a guide wire having a distal portion and a plurality of discrete radiopaque markers disposed on the distal portion;

inserting the guide wire into the vasculature;

positioning one of the radiopaque markers adjacent to an anatomical feature inside the vasculature; and

maintaining the position of the radiopaque marker relative to the anatomical feature.

12. A method as in claim 11, further comprising the steps of:

providing a catheter having a radiopaque marker band mounted on a distal end thereof;

advancing the catheter over the guide wire; and

positioning the catheter such that the marker band of the catheter is adjacent one of the discrete radiopaque markers of the guide wire.