Uniform outer diameter guide wire device

Abstract

An intravascular device for navigating in a tortuous vascular environment, such as a human brain, is disclosed. The disclosed guidewire includes a core, a first tube with a distal section of the core inserted within the first tube, and a second tube with a proximal section of the core inserted within the second tube. The first and second tubes have substantially similar outer diameters such that the guidewire has a uniform outer diameter over the entire length for effective catheter tracking on the guidewire.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 18 / 391,400, filed on December 20, 2023, entitled “Uniform Outer Diameter Guide Wire Device,” and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63 / 434,432, filed on December 21, 2022, entitled “Microfabricated Guide Wire Device for Making Variable Diameter Uniform,” and the entire disclosure of each application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Guidewire devices are commonly used to introduce or guide catheters or other interventional devices to a target anatomical location in a patient's body. Typically, a guidewire is introduced and passed through the patient's vascular system to reach a target location that may be located at or near the patient's heart or brain. Radiographic imaging is commonly used to assist in navigating the guidewire to the target location. In many cases, during an interventional procedure, a guidewire is placed in the body that can be used to guide multiple catheters or other interventional devices to the target anatomical location.

[0004] Guidewires have various outer diameters. For example, widely used sizes include 0.010, 0.014, 0.016, 0.018, 0.024, 0.035, and 0.038 inches, but the diameter of the guidewire can also be smaller or larger. Because torque transmission is a function of diameter, a guidewire with a larger diameter generally has greater torque transmission (the ability to effectively transfer torque from the proximal portion of the guidewire to the further distal portion of the guidewire). On the other hand, a guidewire with a smaller diameter generally has greater flexibility.

[0005] Catheters used in conjunction with guidewires have an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the guidewire to enable the catheter to be positioned and translated over the guidewire. This size difference between the guidewire and catheter can affect the ability of the catheter to be advanced over the guidewire. For example, the larger the annular space between the guidewire's outer diameter and the catheter's inner diameter, the greater the radial play within which the catheter can move, making it more difficult to navigate the catheter over the guidewire. If the radial play is excessive, there may be a higher risk of the distal end of the catheter becoming lodged in the patient's vasculature or other anatomical structures rather than smoothly advancing along the guidewire path.

[0006] The guidewire size is typically selected to minimize the amount of annular space between the guidewire and a given catheter size required or desired for a particular procedure, thereby limiting problems of the type described above. Some devices include a flexible, slender member that extends along and surrounds the distal section of the guidewire, the outer diameter of the flexible, slender member approaching the inner diameter of the catheter to reduce radial play. However, a challenge exists in that the catheter tends to get stuck on the slender member when translating from the proximal section of the guidewire to its distal section. A guidewire in which the proximal section has a diameter substantially similar to that of the slender member would help to improve the tendency of the catheter to get stuck at the proximal-distal transition of the guidewire. However, previous designs have not been able to do this without sacrificing flexibility or tension transmission.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a guidewire device that can be manufactured with a relatively large outer diameter along the entire length of the guidewire, minimizes the annular space between the guidewire and a compatible catheter of certain sizes, and also provides sufficient flexibility and twistability. The catheter will be more easily advanced along such a guidewire, thereby reducing procedural complications, potential injuries, and procedural time. Summary of the Invention

[0008] An intravascular device is disclosed, comprising: a core having a proximal segment and a distal segment; a first tube having a proximal segment and a distal segment, wherein the first tube is coupled to the core such that the distal segment of the core enters into and is surrounded by a tube structure of the first tube; and a second tube having substantially the same outer diameter as the first tube, wherein the second tube is coupled to the core such that the proximal segment of the core enters into and is surrounded by the tube structure of the second tube. Optionally, a portion of the proximal segment of the first tube enters into and is surrounded by the second tube.

[0009] This summary is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to serve as an indicator of the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The various objects, features, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims, all of which constitute a part of this specification. In the drawings, like reference numerals may be used to designate corresponding or similar parts throughout the various figures, and the various elements depicted are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0011] Figure 1 An embodiment of a guidewire device is shown having a core and a tube coupled to a distal section of the core.

[0012] Figure 2 An embodiment of a guidewire device is shown having a core and a tube coupled to a distal section of the core, with a proximal end of the tube forming a boss.

[0013] Figure 3 An embodiment of a guidewire device is shown having a core, a first tube coupled to a distal section of the core, and a second tube coupled to a proximal section of the core, the distal end of the second tube surrounding the proximal end of the first tube.

[0014] Figure 4 An embodiment of a guidewire device is shown having a core, a first tube coupled to a distal section of the core, and a second tube coupled to a proximal section of the core that enters the second tube and extends along only a portion of the second tube. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Overview of Guidewire Structural Features

[0016] Figure 1 Schematically illustrates a guide wire device 100 that is suitable for utilizing one or more features of the present disclosure. The guide wire 100 shown comprises a core 102 and an outer tube 108. As shown, the core 102 comprises a distal section 104 that extends into the outer tube 108. The distal section 104 can be tapered, continuous or in the form of one or more discrete segments, so that the distal section at a distance is smaller and more flexible than the diameter of the proximal section at a distance. For example, the distal section 104 can be ground so as to gradually taper to a smaller diameter at the distal end. In certain embodiments, the distal section 104 can be flattened into a ribbon-like shape with a flat, rectangular or elliptical cross section.

[0017] The core 102 and the tube 108 are typically formed of different materials. For example, the tube 108 is preferably formed of a relatively flexible and elastic material (such as Nitinol), while the core 102 can be formed of a relatively less flexible and elastic material (such as stainless steel). Forming the core 102 from stainless steel can be advantageous because it allows the distal tip to maintain its shape as the operator selectively bends / shapes the distal tip, and because stainless steel provides sufficient elastic modulus to provide more sensitive translational motion. Although these materials are presently preferred, other suitable materials, such as polymers or other metals / alloys, may also be utilized.

[0018] Tube 108 is coupled to core 102 (e.g., using adhesives, welding, and / or mechanical fastening) in a manner that facilitates transmission of torsional forces from core 102 to tube 108, and thus further distally through tube 108. Medical-grade adhesive or other suitable materials may be used to couple tube 108 to core 102 at the distal end of the device to form an atraumatic covering.

[0019] Outer tube 108 can include the incision pattern that forms fenestration 110 in pipe 108.As shown in the figure, the pattern of fenestration 110 can include axially extending " beam " and circumferentially extending " ring ", and / or can be arranged to provide desired flexibility characteristic to pipe 108, comprise facilitating preferred bending direction, reducing or eliminating preferred bending direction, or making flexibility increase along longitudinal axis gradient etc.In U.S. Patent No.11,369,351, provide in detail the example of the incision pattern and other guide wire device features that can be used for guide wire device as herein described, this patent is incorporated into this paper by reference in full.Additionally or alternatively, other grooves or fenestration patterns can also be used.

[0020] The guidewire device 100 can have a length for reaching the target anatomical region. The length of the guidewire device 100 typically ranges from about 50 cm to about 350 cm, depending on the specific application requirements. The length of the tube 108 can range from about 20 cm to about 65 cm, more typically, the length can range from about 30 cm to about 55 cm, such as about 35 cm to about 45 cm.

[0021] The guidewire device 100 can have a diameter of about 0.014 inches to about 0.035 inches, but larger or smaller sizes can also be used, depending on the specific application requirements, and the features of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited to certain guidewire sizes. Some embodiments can have an outer diameter size corresponding to a standard guidewire size, such as 0.014 inches, 0.016 inches, 0.018 inches, 0.024 inches, 0.035 inches, or other such sizes common to guidewire devices.

[0022] The distal section 104 of the core 102 can be tapered to a diameter of approximately 0.002 inches, or to a diameter in the range of approximately 0.001 to 0.005 inches. In some embodiments, the distal tip can be flattened (e.g., flattened to a rectangular cross-section) to further enhance bending flexibility while minimizing the reduction in cross-sectional area required for tensile strength. In such embodiments, the cross-sectional dimensions can be, for example, approximately 0.001 inches by 0.003 inches. In some embodiments, the length of the tube 108 ranges from approximately 3 cm to 100 cm.

[0023] Figure 2 An example of a guidewire 200 is shown. The guidewire 200 can include any of the general features described above with respect to the guidewire 100. As shown, the guidewire 200 includes a core 202 and an outer tube 208. The outer tube 208 includes a plurality of fenestrations 210. A polymer-based adhesive can form an atraumatic distal tip.

[0024] The core 202 also includes a proximal section 206 (also referred to herein as the proximal core 206), which is disposed proximal to the outer tube 208 and is not inserted into the outer tube 208. The proximal core 206 may include a friction-reducing coating such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and / or other suitable coating materials. The tube 208 may also include a coating, preferably a suitable hydrophilic coating.

[0025] As shown, the outer diameter of the tube 208 can be larger than the outer diameter of the proximal core 206. In one example, the outer diameter of the proximal core 206 is approximately 0.018 inches, while the outer diameter of the tube 208 is approximately 0.024 inches. However, other core and / or tube sizes can also be used. For example, the outer diameter of the tube 208 can be approximately 15% to approximately 50% larger than the outer diameter of the proximal core 206, or approximately 20% to approximately 45% larger, or approximately 25% to approximately 40% larger, such as approximately 30% to approximately 35% larger.

[0026] Cores and tubes of different sizes.

[0027] Differentiately size the core and tube

[0028] As described above, the larger outer diameter of tube 208 can better match certain desired catheter sizes, thereby reducing the annular space between the guidewire and the catheter during placement of the catheter over the guidewire. The larger outer diameter of tube 208 reduces the likelihood of the catheter becoming stuck on the patient's vasculature. This is particularly beneficial at the distal end of the guidewire, which is more likely to be navigated through deeper, more tortuous portions of the patient's vasculature.

[0029] However, increasing the diameter of the proximal section 206 of the core 202 to match the larger diameter of the tube 208 may make the core 202 too rigid for certain desired applications. Therefore, keeping the proximal section 206 of the core 202 smaller while increasing the size of the tube 208 relative to the core 202 allows for the use of a more flexible core 202 while still being able to realize the benefits of a larger tube 208 at the distal section of the guidewire 200.

[0030] However, because the diameter of the tube 208 may be significantly larger than the diameter of the core 202, a boss 212 may be formed at the proximal end of the tube 208, such as Figure 2 As shown. Such bosses 212 can be a particular obstacle to proper catheter operation and prevent smooth tracking of the catheter along the guidewire device 200. This interference with catheter control can increase risks such as delayed interventional procedures, suboptimal results, inability to reach the target site, and even tissue damage. Therefore, a uniform diameter extending along the entire length of the guidewire device 200 (over which the catheter can be smoothly navigated) can provide real benefits to patients.

[0031] Guidewire device with uniform diameter

[0032] Figure 3 An example of a guidewire 300 is shown. The guidewire 300 may also include any of the general features described above with respect to the guidewires 100 and 200, with like reference numerals representing like components. As shown, the guidewire 300 includes a core 302 and a first tube 308, with a distal end section 304 of the core 302 inserted into the first tube 308. The first tube 308 includes a plurality of fenestrations 310.

[0033] Also shown is a second tube 314 surrounding the proximal section 306 of the core 302. The proximal section 306 of the core 302 is a part extending from the first tube 308 to the proximal end. The second tube 314 has an outer diameter substantially similar to the first tube 308. In certain embodiments, as shown in the figure, the proximal end of the first tube 308 enters the distal end of the second tube 314 and is surrounded by the distal end of the second tube 314 (and vice versa), so that a seamless transition is achieved from the second tube 314 to the first tube 308, and the outer diameter does not change significantly. In addition, the second tube 314 can extend to the proximal end of the core 302 so that the diameter of the guide wire device 300 is substantially uniform over its entire length.

[0034] In some embodiments, the second tube 314 is formed of a relatively flexible and elastic material (such as Nitinol). The second tube 314 may also include a coating that reduces friction, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and / or other suitable coating materials. The second tube 314 may also include a coating, preferably a suitable hydrophilic coating. The second tube 314 may be prefabricated and threaded onto the core 302, and then coupled to the core 302 using welding, solder, adhesive, and / or other structural attachment methods.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment, the second tube 314 is formed of a polymeric material and is dip-coated, laminated, or otherwise applied to the core 302. For example, the second tube 314 can be laminated to the core 302 through a reflow process (including the use of a heat-shrinkable fusion sleeve) such that the material forming the second tube 314 melts and couples directly to the core 302, reducing the amount of adhesive required to manufacture the guidewire device 300.

[0036] The second tube 314 can have a constant outer diameter or, as shown, a variable inner diameter. That is, the inner diameter can be larger at some points along the length of the second tube 314 and smaller at other points along the length of the second tube 314. A variable inner diameter can be beneficial because it enables close contact with the proximal section 306 of the core 302 below, even though the outer diameter of the proximal section 306 of the core 302 is variable. The variable outer diameter of the proximal section 306 of the core 302 is often used to achieve a desired flexibility / stiffness profile or in the case of joints or connections within the structure of the proximal section 306 of the core 302.

[0037] Incorporating the second tube 314 onto the guidewire device 300 provides several benefits. Because the diameter of the second tube 314 is substantially similar to the diameter of the first tube 308, the catheter will track more smoothly along the guidewire device 300. In particular, by internalizing the boss 312 created by the first tube 308, the transition from the proximal section to the distal section of the guidewire device 300 is greatly improved.

[0038] Furthermore, because the second tube 314 comprises a softer material, catheter translation is improved without compromising the overall flexibility of the guidewire device 300 (which would be the case if only the proximal section of the core 302 were enlarged). In embodiments where the second tube 314 comprises a friction-reducing or hydrophilic coating, the aforementioned benefits are achieved while also improving the ability of the guidewire device 300 to navigate along and avoid damaging the patient's vasculature.

[0039] Figure 4 Another example of a guide wire 400 is shown. The guide wire 400 may also include any of the general features described above with respect to the guide wire 100, the guide wire 200, and the guide wire 300, with identical reference numerals representing identical components. As shown, the guide wire 400 includes a core 402, a first tube 408, and a second tube 414. The first tube 408 may include a plurality of fenestrations (not shown).

[0040] In this embodiment, the second tube 414 (e.g., a hypotube) can include a hollow lumen 416. The proximal end 407 of the core 402 enters into and is surrounded by the distal end of the second tube 414, with the proximal end of the core 402 only entering a portion of the second tube 414. The distal end of the second tube 414 extends to the proximal end of the first tube 408, creating a smooth transition between the first tube 408 and the second tube 414.

[0041] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the first tube 408 can enter and be surrounded by the distal end of the second tube 414, and vice versa. The proximal end of the core 402 can be fixed to the distal end of the second tube 414 using welding, solder, adhesive and / or other structural attachment methods. The portion of the second tube 414 that longitudinally overlaps the core 402 can be only 25% or less of the total length of the second tube 414, such as 20% or less, or 15% or less, or 10% or less, or 5% or less of the total length of the second tube 414.

[0042] The second tube 414 can comprise a metal, a metal alloy, or other suitable material for a guidewire. Because torque transmission is a function of outer diameter, metal tubes exhibit relatively good torsional transmission without experiencing the associated increase in rigidity and decrease in flexibility that occurs with wires having a solid metal core. Thus, the second tube 414 comprising metal can provide suitable torque capacity, as well as a balance of rigidity and flexibility, while maintaining the benefits of a guidewire device 400 having a substantially uniform outer diameter.

[0043] The lumen 416 of the second tube 414 can optionally include filler for providing lumen support for the second tube 414. For example, the filler can include polyether block amide (PEBA) and / or other polymers. Additionally or alternatively, the filler can include soft metals, or other materials that can not significantly increase the rigidity of the guide wire device 400. The flexural modulus of the filler can be about 1MPa to about 1000MPa, or about 100MPa to about 900MPa, or about 200MPa to about 800MPa, or about 300MPa to about 700MPa, or about 400MPa to about 600MPa, or about 500MPa, or in the range of the endpoints defined by any two of the aforementioned values.

[0044] Example Embodiments

[0045] The following list of items represents a non-exhaustive list of exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0046] Item 1. An intravascular device comprising: a core body having a proximal segment and a distal segment; a first tube having a proximal segment and a distal segment, wherein the first tube is connected to the core body so that the distal segment of the core body enters the first tube and is surrounded by the first tube; and a second tube having an outer diameter substantially the same as the first tube, wherein the second tube is connected to the core body so that the proximal segment of the core body enters the second tube and is surrounded by the second tube, wherein the second tube extends over at least 50% of the length of the proximal segment of the core body.

[0047] Item 2. The intravascular device of Item 1, wherein the second tube extends over at least 75% of the length of the proximal section of the core.

[0048] Item 3. An intravascular device according to Item 1 or Item 2, wherein the second tube extends substantially the entire length of the proximal section of the core body.

[0049] Item 4. The intravascular device according to any of the preceding items, wherein at least a portion of the proximal section of the first tube enters into and is surrounded by the second tube.

[0050] Item 5. The intravascular device of any preceding item, wherein the second tube has a lower elastic modulus than the first tube.

[0051] Item 6. The intravascular device of any preceding item, wherein the second tube comprises a polymer.

[0052] Item 7. The intravascular device of any preceding item, wherein the second tube is laminated to the proximal section of the core.

[0053] Item 8. The intravascular device of any preceding item, wherein the second tube has a variable inner diameter.

[0054] Item 9. An intravascular device according to Item 8, wherein the variable inner diameter is larger at a proximal section of the second tube and smaller at a distal section of the second tube.

[0055] Item 10. The intravascular device of any one of Items 1 to 5, wherein the second tube is optionally formed of metal.

[0056] Item 11. The intravascular device of Item 10, wherein the second tube is a hypotube.

[0057] Item 12. An intravascular device according to Item 10 or Item 11, wherein the second tube extends to a distance further than the proximal end of the core body such that the proximal end of the core body terminates at a distal section of the second tube.

[0058] Item 13. The intravascular device of Item 12, wherein at least a portion of the lumen of the second tube comprises a filler.

[0059] Item 14. An intravascular device according to Item 13, wherein the portion of the lumen of the second tube containing the filler is inconsistent with the core body.

[0060] Item 15. The intravascular device of Item 13 or Item 14, wherein the filler comprises a polymer.

[0061] Item 16. The intravascular device of Item 15, wherein the filler comprises a polyether block amide.

[0062] Item 17. The intravascular device according to any one of Items 13 to 16, wherein the elastic modulus of the filler is 1 MPa to 1000 MPa, or 100 MPa to 900 MPa, or 200 MPa to 800 MPa, or 300 MPa to 700 MPa, or 400 MPa to 600 MPa, or 500 MPa.

[0063] Item 18. The intravascular device of any one of Items 13 to 17, wherein the filler comprises a metal.

[0064] Item 19. The intravascular device according to any one of Items 10 to 18, wherein the first tube and the second tube contact each other at a joint, and wherein the proximal end of the core is positioned 0.5 cm to 5 cm from the joint.

[0065] Item 20. The intravascular device of Item 19, wherein the adhesive is provided at the joint.

[0066] Additional Terms and Definitions

[0067] As used herein, the term "longitudinally coincident" (sometimes simply "coincident") means that two components are disposed at a given longitudinal position of a device and, for example, may at least partially overlap. For example, if a first component and a second component are longitudinally coincident, at least a portion of the first component overlaps at least a portion of the second component at some position of the device.

[0068] While certain embodiments of the invention have been described in detail with reference to specific configurations, parameters, components, elements, etc., these descriptions are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention.

[0069] Furthermore, it should be understood that for any given element or component of the described embodiments, any possible alternatives listed for that element or component can generally be used alone or in combination with each other, unless implicitly or explicitly stated otherwise.

[0070] In addition, unless otherwise indicated, numbers used in the specification and claims to indicate quantities, components, distances, or other measurements should be understood as optionally modified by the term "about" or its equivalent. When the terms "approximately," "approximately," "substantially," and the like are used in conjunction with a stated amount, value, or condition, they are understood to mean an amount, value, or condition that deviates from the stated amount, value, or condition by less than 20%, less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 1%, less than 0.1%, or less than 0.01%. At the very least, and without intending to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should be interpreted in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0071] Any headings and subheadings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims.

[0072] It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" do not exclude plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, an embodiment referring to a singular referent (e.g., "a widget") may also include two or more such referents.

[0073] It should also be understood that the embodiments described herein may also include the characteristics and / or features (e.g., components, parts, members, elements, parts and / or portions) described in one or more separate embodiments, and are not necessarily strictly limited to the features explicitly described in that particular embodiment. Therefore, the various features of a given embodiment can be combined with other embodiments of the present disclosure and / or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure of certain features relative to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as limiting the application or inclusion of the features to that particular embodiment. On the contrary, it should be understood that other embodiments may also include such features.

Claims

1. An intravascular device comprising: a core having a proximal segment and a distal segment; a first tube having a proximal section and a distal section, wherein the first tube is coupled to the core such that the distal section of the core enters into and is surrounded by the first tube; and a second tube having substantially the same outer diameter as the first tube, wherein the second tube is coupled to the core such that a proximal section of the core enters into and is surrounded by the second tube, Wherein, the second tube extends over at least 50% of the length of the proximal section of the core.

2. The intravascular device according to claim 1, wherein The second tube extends over at least 75% of the length of the proximal section of the core.

3. The intravascular device according to claim 1, wherein The second tube extends substantially the entire length of the proximal section of the core.

4. The intravascular device according to claim 1, wherein At least a portion of the proximal section of the first tube enters into and is surrounded by the second tube.

5. The intravascular device according to claim 1, wherein The second tube has a lower elastic modulus than the first tube.

6. The intravascular device according to claim 1, wherein The second tube comprises a polymer.

7. The intravascular device according to claim 1, wherein The second tube is laminated to the proximal section of the core.

8. The intravascular device according to claim 1, wherein The second tube has a variable inner diameter.

9. The intravascular device according to claim 8, wherein The variable inner diameter is larger at a proximal section of the second tube and smaller at a distal section of the second tube.

10. The intravascular device according to claim 1, wherein The second tube is formed of metal.

11. The intravascular device according to claim 1, wherein The second tube extends to a greater distance than the proximal end of the core such that the proximal end of the core terminates at a distal section of the second tube.

12. The intravascular device according to claim 11, wherein A portion of the lumen of the second tube comprises a polymer filler.

13. The intravascular device according to claim 12, wherein: The elastic modulus of the filler is 1 MPa to 1000 MPa.

14. The intravascular device according to claim 12, wherein: The filler includes metal.

15. The intravascular device according to claim 10, wherein The first tube and the second tube contact each other at a joint, and wherein the proximal end of the core is disposed 0.5 cm to 5 cm from the joint.

16. The intravascular device according to claim 15, wherein An adhesive is provided at the joint.

17. An intravascular device comprising: a core having a proximal segment and a distal segment; a first tube having a proximal section and a distal section, wherein the first tube is coupled to the core such that the distal section of the core enters into and is surrounded by the first tube; and a second tube having substantially the same outer diameter as the first tube, wherein the second tube is coupled to the core so that a proximal section of the core enters into and is surrounded by the second tube, without any space existing between an outer surface of the proximal section of the core and an inner surface of the second tube, wherein the second tube extends over at least 50% of the length of the proximal section of the core, wherein the second tube has a variable inner diameter, wherein at least a portion of the proximal section of the first tube enters into the second tube and is surrounded by the second tube, and The second tube has a lower elastic modulus than the first tube.

18. The intravascular device according to claim 17, wherein The second tube extends substantially the entire length of the proximal section of the core.

19. An intravascular device comprising: a core having a proximal segment and a distal segment; a first tube having a proximal section and a distal section, wherein the first tube is coupled to the core such that the distal section of the core enters into and is surrounded by the first tube; and a second tube having substantially the same outer diameter as the first tube, wherein the second tube is coupled to the core such that a proximal section of the core enters into and is surrounded by the second tube, wherein the second tube extends over at least 50% of the length of the proximal section of the core, wherein the second tube extends to a greater distance than the proximal end of the core so that the proximal end of the core terminates at a distal section of the second tube, Wherein, at least a portion of the lumen of the second tube contains polymer fillers and / or metal fillers.

20. The intravascular device of claim 19, wherein: The elastic modulus of the filler is 1 MPa to 1000 MPa.

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