Abstract:
A guidewire having a flexible distal end region that permits axisymmetric steering and forming, said guidewire comprising: a core wire having a main body and a flexible distal end at said flexible distal end region of said guidewire; a flexible first coil coupled to said distal end of said core wire, said first coil having a proximal section with a first outer diameter and a distal section with a second outer diameter smaller than said first outer diameter; and a flexible second coil coupled to said first coil and positioned substantially concentrically over said distal section of said first coil; wherein said second coil is formed from a formable material capable of reaching a stress value above its yield point such that said second coil maintains a desired bend imparted thereto to thereby impart a bend to said distal end of said guidewire.