Adjustable curved guide wire

Abstract

An adjustable bending guidewire (100) is provided, including a catheter (10), a distal bendable section (26) of the catheter including a plurality of first notches (30) spaced apart along an axial direction and a plurality of second notches (40) spaced apart along the axial direction, the first notches and the second notches being arranged alternately in the axial direction, and the first notches and the second notches having different shapes, the first notch including an opening (25) open to the first side and a protrusion protruding into the first notch through at least one of the opposite two sides, the first notch defining a first width (W1) at the opening and a minimum width (W0) defined by the protrusion, the first notch including: a first notch section from the opening to the minimum width and having a width that is constant first and then decreasing; and a second notch section from the minimum width to a bottom surface (37) of the first notch and having a width that increases from the minimum width to a second width (W2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical catheter technology, specifically to an adjustable guidewire. Background Technology

[0002] In the treatment of conditions such as intracranial aneurysms, distally flexible guidewires are typically used to establish access to the intracranial lesion and to deliver interventional devices such as self-expanding stents to the lesion site. Intracranial vessels are relatively small and have numerous tortuous segments, requiring the guidewire to navigate smoothly to reach the lesion.

[0003] A guidewire mainly consists of a catheter and a mandrel passing through the catheter. The proximal ends of the catheter and mandrel are connected to an operating device manipulated by the operator. The distal ends of the catheter and mandrel are associated. When the proximal end of the mandrel is pulled or stretched, the catheter and the entire distal end of the guidewire bend. The flexibility of the distal end of the guidewire is achieved by providing a series of grooves on the distal portion of the catheter.

[0004] Guidewires need to provide a variety of properties to navigate bifurcated vessels at different angles. For example, to pass smoothly through complex and tortuous vessels, catheters not only need sufficient flexibility or bendability, but also sufficient rigidity to avoid being blocked by the complex bends. Current catheter designs are not ideal in balancing these properties and cannot achieve a perfect balance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to improve the guidewire structure and optimize or balance various performance characteristics of the guidewire.

[0006] This application provides an adjustable bendable guidewire, comprising a conduit extending in an axial direction. The distal bendable section of the conduit includes a plurality of first slots spaced apart along the axial direction and a plurality of second slots spaced apart along the axial direction. The first slots and second slots extend into the conduit from a first side and a second side, respectively, opposite in the radial direction, along a first and a second incision direction transverse to the axial direction. The first slots and second slots are alternately arranged in the axial direction and have different shapes. Each first slot includes an opening to a first side and a protrusion extending into the first slot through at least one of two opposing sides. The first slot defines a first width at the opening and a minimum width at the protrusion. The first slot includes: a first segment extending from the opening to the minimum width with a width that is initially constant and then decreases; and a second segment extending from the minimum width to the bottom surface of the first slot with a width that increases from the minimum width to a second width.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first width is greater than or equal to the second width.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first cutting direction is perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0009] In some embodiments, the protrusion has an arcuate profile in a plane defined by the first cutting direction and the axial direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, each of the two opposing sides includes a protrusion extending into the first slot.

[0011] In some embodiments, the two protrusions on the two opposite sides are symmetrical about the central plane of the first slot.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first cutting direction and the second cutting direction are opposite directions in the same radial direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction, the first depth of the first groove along the first cutting direction is 5 / 6-7 / 8 of the outer diameter of the conduit; and the second depth of the second groove along the second cutting direction is 1 / 2-2 / 3 of the outer diameter of the conduit.

[0014] In some embodiments, along a second cutting direction, the second notch includes a neck defined by two opposing flat sides and a root with increased width.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second slot has a second opening that opens to the second side and has a third width, and within the neck, the width of the second slot is constant or linearly decreasing, and the root is circular.

[0016] In some embodiments, the ratio of the extension distance of the first segment of the first slot to the first depth of the first slot is in the range of 1 / 2 to 3 / 4; the ratio of the second width to the first width is in the range of 1 / 2 to 1; and the ratio of the minimum width to the first width is in the range of 1 / 3 to 1 / 2.

[0017] In some embodiments, one or more second slots are arranged between adjacent first slots; one or more first slots are arranged between adjacent second slots; the extension distance of the first slot segment of the first slot gradually increases as it moves further away from the conduit; the minimum width of the first slot gradually decreases as it moves further away from the conduit.

[0018] In some embodiments, the catheter further includes a reinforcing section adjacent to the distal flexible section, the reinforcing section including a groove arrangement different from the groove arrangement on the distal flexible section.

[0019] In some embodiments, a mandrel passing through the lumen of the catheter is further included, the distal end of the mandrel being fixed to the distal end of the catheter, and the proximal end of the mandrel and the proximal end of the catheter being configured to be connected to an operating structure and configured to be operable independently.

[0020] This application also relates to a guidewire, including a conduit through which a core wire passes. On a flexible distal section of the conduit, a plurality of first grooves and a plurality of second grooves are provided on opposite radial sides, arranged axially at intervals. The first and second grooves extend into the conduit along first and second insertion directions transverse to the axial direction, respectively. The depth of the first groove is in the ratio of 5 / 6 to 7 / 8 of the conduit's outer diameter, and the depth of the second groove is in the ratio of 1 / 2 to 2 / 3 of the conduit's outer diameter. Along the first insertion direction, the width of the first groove decreases from a first width at the opening to a minimum width, and then increases to a second width less than or equal to the first width. The first groove includes a protrusion extending into the first groove from at least one of two opposing sides defining the minimum width, the protrusion defining the minimum width.

[0021] Utilizing the aforementioned groove design, the distal flexible section of the catheter allows for unilateral bending towards the first side. The design of the first groove enables a greater degree of bending under otherwise identical conditions. The protrusion extending into the first groove counteracts the weakening of catheter rigidity caused by the greater depth and width of the first groove. Thus, the catheter or guidewire of this application achieves a greater degree of bending and flexibility while maintaining sufficient rigidity. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The above and other aspects of this application will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic only and not to scale. In different drawings, the same components are indicated by the same reference numerals. It should be understood that the dimensions, scale relationships, and number of components or parts in the drawings do not constitute a limitation on this application.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the distal end of the guidewire in the initial straight state.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the distal end of the guidewire of this application after it has been bent.

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A magnified view of region A.

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of region B.

[0027] Figure 5 and Figure 6Three-dimensional views of the distal flexible segment of the catheter in its bent state and initial state are shown respectively. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. The following description of the embodiments is merely illustrative and does not constitute any limitation on this application or its application. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] This application relates to an adjustable guidewire (device) 100. Generally, the guidewire 100 includes a conduit 10 defining a lumen (not shown) and a core wire (or "traction core wire") 15 passing through the lumen of the conduit 10.

[0030] The distal end of the mandrel 15 is secured to the distal end of the conduit 10. In the preferred example illustrated, the distal end of the mandrel 15 extends beyond the distal end of the conduit 10 and is secured to the end member 22. This securing can be achieved by welding, bonding, or any other method.

[0031] An example of the end member 22 is an insertion portion (not shown) extending into the distal end of the catheter 10 and an end portion 21 (e.g., a generally dome-shaped end portion) whose outer contour is enlarged to abut the distal end of the catheter 10. In some embodiments, the end member 22 may be a member formed by bonding the distal end of the mandrel 15 to the distal end of the catheter 10 with an adhesive.

[0032] The proximal end of the adjustable guidewire 100 is not shown in the figure. However, it is understood that both the proximal ends of the mandrel 15 and the catheter 10 are connected to the operating structure of the adjustable guidewire (device) 100, and the proximal ends of the mandrel 15 and the catheter 10 can be designed to operate independently. For example, the proximal ends of the mandrel 15 and the catheter 10 can be connected to different components of the operating structure.

[0033] Thus, by operating the mechanism (not shown in the diagram), the mandrel 15 moves proximally relative to the catheter 10, causing the distal portion of the adjustable guidewire 100 (including the distal portion of the catheter 10 and the distal portion of the mandrel 15) to bend. In this application, the bending of the distal portion of the adjustable guidewire 100 occurs only in one direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0034] The catheter 10 of the adjustable guidewire 100 is described in detail below.

[0035] The catheter 10 of the adjustable guidewire 100 is typically made of medical-grade stainless steel and biocompatible materials such as nickel-titanium alloys and cobalt-chromium alloys. It is a thin-walled metal tube, also known in the art as a "hypo tube". The outer circumferential surface of the catheter 10 may be coated with a hydrophilic coating to reduce frictional resistance within the blood vessel. The catheter 10 is mainly processed by processes such as laser cutting, micro-tool cutting, wire cutting, or chemical etching, for example, processing the grooves described in detail below, to provide excellent torque transmission, support, and flexibility.

[0036] The catheter 10 includes a distal flexible section 26 and a stiffening or rigidity-reinforcing section 28 adjacent to the distal flexible section 26. The distal flexible section 26 and the reinforcing section 28 are achieved by providing differently arranged slots on the catheter 10. The slot arrangement of the distal flexible section 26 provides sufficient flexibility and bendability, while the slot arrangement of the reinforcing section 28 causes the stiffness or rigidity of that section to gradually increase from distal to proximal. The reinforcing section 28 may extend all the way to the proximal end of the catheter 10. Optionally, as needed, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, the reinforcing section 28 extends only to the desired length, and the length of the conduit 10, excluding the distal flexible section 26 and the reinforcing section 28, can be configured as a solid tube.

[0037] This application provides a novel slot arrangement structure for the distal flexible segment 26, which enables the catheter 10 and the entire guidewire 100 to have greater flexibility, allowing the distal flexible segment 26 to provide a greater degree of bending when needed, while providing sufficient rigidity to the distal flexible segment 26 when bending is not required.

[0038] The groove arrangement of the distal flexible section 26 of the conduit 10 will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of region A. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of region B.

[0039] The distal flexible section 26 of the conduit 10 includes a plurality of first slots 30 spaced apart along the axial direction on a first side S1 of the conduit 10, and a plurality of second slots 40 spaced apart along the axial direction on a second side S2 of the conduit 10. The first side S1 and the second side S2 are opposite sides in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction. This radial direction, together with the axial direction L, defines the plane in which the paper is located.

[0040] In the axial direction, a plurality of first slots 30 and a plurality of second slots 40 are arranged alternately, with each first slot 30 arranged between two adjacent second slots 40 and each second slot 40 arranged between two adjacent first slots 30. The centerline X2 (perpendicular to the central plane in the axial direction) of each second slot 40 is approximately equidistant from the centerline X1 of two adjacent first slots 30.

[0041] On the first side S1, each first groove 30 extends from the outer peripheral surface of the conduit 10 into the conduit 10 along a first cutting direction C1, which is transverse to the axial direction from the first side S1 toward the second side S2. On the second side S2, each second groove 40 extends from the outer peripheral surface of the conduit 10 into the conduit 10 along a second cutting direction C2, which is transverse to the axial direction from the second side S2 toward the first side S1. In the illustrated example, the first cutting direction C1 and the second cutting direction C2 are opposite directions in the radial direction and perpendicular to the axial direction. Figure 1-4 This is a front view taken along a third direction, perpendicular to the radial direction where the first cutting direction C1 and the second cutting direction C2 are located and perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0042] In the front view, the depth of any slot is its dimension in the radial direction (the tangential direction in the illustration), and the width of any slot is its dimension perpendicular to the tangential direction (along the axial direction L in the illustrated example). The width of the first slot 30 is defined by two opposing sides 31 and 33 in the axial direction, and the depth H1 of the first slot is the maximum distance from the bottom surface 37 connecting the two sides 31 and 33 to the first side S1. In the illustration, the bottom surface 37 is a plane parallel to the axial direction.

[0043] The first slot 30 includes an opening 25 that opens to the first side S1, and includes protrusions 32 and 34 extending into the first slot 30 from two sides 31 and 33. The protrusions 32 and 34 may be symmetrical or mirror-image about the centerline X1 of the first slot 30 along the cutting direction C1. The opening 25 defines a maximum width W1, and the vertices 36 and 38 of the protrusions 32 and 34 define a minimum width W0. That is, along the first cutting direction C1, starting from the outer peripheral surface of the conduit 10 of the first side S1, the first slot 30 extends into the conduit 10 in a manner that first decreases in width and then increases in width, with the width defined by the two sides 31 and 33 decreasing from the maximum width W1 to the minimum width W0 and then increasing to the second width W2.

[0044] Furthermore, the first slot 30 includes a first slot segment 42 extending from the opening 25 to the apexes 36 and 38 with a distance H11, and a second slot segment 44 extending from the apexes 36 and 38 to the bottom surface 37 with a distance equal to the difference between H1 and H11. Within the first slot segment 42, the width of the first slot 30 initially maintains a first width W1 at a certain distance H111, and then decreases non-linearly to a minimum gap W0. Within the second slot segment 44, the width of the first slot 30 initially increases non-linearly to a second width W2, and then maintains a constant second width W2 for a certain distance.

[0045] As shown in the figure, the first slot 30 of this application has a generally hourglass shape, which increases the degree of bending compared to a shape where the first slot 30 maintains a minimum width W0 throughout the first slot segment 42. The width of the first slot 30 increases from the minimum width W0 to a second width W2 within the second slot segment 44, making it easier to bend the conduit 10. The constant second width W2 of the second slot segment 44 for a certain distance also facilitates the bending of the conduit 10. The second slot 40 is generally gourd-shaped or beaker-shaped. Along the second tangential direction C2 of the second slot 40, the second slot 40 includes a neck 52 that opens to the second side S2 and has a third width W3, and a root 54 with an increased width, the root 54 being an open circular shape. The neck 52 is defined by opposing sides 51 and 53 in the axial direction, and the root 54 is defined by an arcuate bottom surface 55 with a radius R. The arcuate bottom surface 55 of the root 54 has the effect of reducing stress concentration. Compared to the case where the entire second groove 40 is rectangular, the possibility of cracking at the root or the curved bottom surface 55 of the second groove 40 is reduced when the conduit 10 bends from a straight state to a curved state.

[0046] In some embodiments, the depth H1 of the first groove 30 is greater than the depth H2 of the second groove 40, and the widths W1 and W2 of the first groove 30 are greater than the width of the root 54 of the second groove 40 (the diameter 2R of the circle), so the conduit 10 provides unilateral bending toward the first side S1. The larger the first depth H1 and the smaller the second depth H2, the easier the conduit 10 is to bend. As an example: the ratio of the first depth H1 to the outer diameter D of the conduit 10 is in the range of 6 / 7-7 / 8, preferably 5 / 6-7 / 8; the ratio of the second depth H2 to the outer diameter D of the conduit 10 is in the range of 1 / 2-2 / 3; the smaller the spacing between adjacent first grooves 30 (centerline X1), the easier the conduit 10 is to bend and the greater the degree of bending. The ratio of the distance H11 of the first groove segment 42 of the first groove 30 to the depth H1 of the first groove 30, H11 / H1, and the ratio of the second width W2 to the maximum width W1 affect the torsional strength of the conduit 10 when bending. The larger the H11 / H1 ratio and the smaller the W2 / W1 ratio, the higher the torsional strength. To prevent tooth breakage or excessive twisting of the catheter during rotation, H11 / H1 can be selected in the range of 1 / 2 to 3 / 4, and W2 / W1 in the range of 1 / 2 to 1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the minimum width (W0) to the first width (W1) is in the range of 1 / 3 to 1 / 2.

[0047] Although the above is about Figure 3 and 4 The shapes of the slots 30 and 40 in this application have been described in detail, but this example is merely illustrative, and this application is not limited to the details described above and shown in the figures. Based on the examples in the figures, the applicant has also envisioned at least some possible features, which can be combined with each other or with other features described above to form new embodiments.

[0048] In some embodiments, the bottom surface 37 of the first slot 30 can be replaced by an arc surface, similar to the bottom surface 55 of the second slot, which makes the operating force required to achieve bending less and easier for the operator to operate.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first width W1 of the first slot 30 may be equal to or preferably greater than the second width W2.

[0050] In some embodiments, the cutting direction C1 of the first slot 30 or the cutting direction C2 of the second slot 40 may form an angle relative to the cross section perpendicular to the axial direction, for example, an angle less than 10 degrees. For example, the first slot 30 may cut radially from the first side S1 toward the second side S2 while simultaneously deflecting axially toward the distal end, which makes bending easier and requires less force from the operator.

[0051] In some embodiments, the cutting directions C1 and C2 of the first slot 30 and the second slot 40 may not be in the same radial direction, but may be slightly offset from each other in the same cross section, for example, by an angle of less than 5 degrees.

[0052] In some embodiments, along the first cutting direction C1, the width of the first groove segment 42 of the first groove 30 at a distance H111 does not remain constant, but decreases linearly.

[0053] In some embodiments, the protrusions 32 and 34 of the first slot 30 are asymmetrical about the centerline X1, or only one of the protrusions 32 and 34 is included. The asymmetry of the protrusions 32 and 34 may refer to different sizes, inconsistent outer contours, or different distances from the opening 25.

[0054] In some embodiments, the protrusions 32 and 34 of the first slot 30 are staggered in the first cutting direction C1. In some embodiments, one or both of the protrusions 32 and 34 are not arc-shaped protrusions, but may be irregular or have any other curved outer contour.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first slot 30 and the second slot 40 are arranged such that two or more first slots 30 are arranged between two adjacent second slots 40, or two or more second slots 40 are arranged between two adjacent first slots 30.

[0056] In some embodiments, some of the first slots 30 differ from the others in certain aspects, such as depth H1, minimum width W0, maximum or minimum width W1, distance of the protrusion from the opening, and details of the protrusion. Similarly, the second slot 40 may also be designed to differ in one or more aspects.

[0057] In some embodiments, a spring or coiled spring, with or without imaging function, is fitted onto the distal flexible section 26 of the conduit 10, with the spring coil located within slots 30 and 40. A spring 17 may be bonded to the slot on the distal flexible section 26.

[0058] In some embodiments, one or more dimensions of the first notch 30 and / or one or more dimensions of the second notch 40 gradually change along the axial direction to gradually increase the stiffness or rigidity of the conduit 10. For example, along the axial direction from distal to proximal, the distance between the protrusions 32 and 34 of the first notch 30 and the opening 25 gradually increases, for example, according to a certain pattern or gradient. This results in a greater degree of bending closer to the distal end of the flexible segment 26 of the conduit 10 and a smaller degree of bending closer to the reinforcing segment 28, for example, according to a certain pattern or gradient. Designs that achieve the same effect can also include one or more of the following: along the axial direction from distal to proximal, the minimum distance W0 of the first notch 30 gradually decreases; the first width W1 or depth H1 of the first notch 30 gradually decreases; and the protrusions 32 and 34 are staggered or offset further apart the first notch 30 is closer to the distal end.

[0059] In some embodiments, the spacing between the first slots 30 and the second slots 40 along the axial direction gradually increases from far to near, or changes from dense to sparse.

[0060] Furthermore, for structures that achieve greater flexibility of the catheter 10 or the entire guidewire 100 by removing more material from the catheter 10 through methods such as increasing the depth H1 and width of the first groove 30, the protrusions 32 and 34 inside the first groove 30 enhance rigidity, enabling the guidewire 100 to possess both high flexibility and considerable rigidity, ensuring that the guidewire 100 can pass through complex and tortuous blood vessels. When the distal flexible section 26 of the guidewire 100 bends, the protrusions within each groove 30 provide sufficient torsional strength upon contact.

[0061] The above describes some embodiments of the slot arrangement of the distal flexible section 26 of the conduit 10 of the adjustable bendable guidewire 100 of this application. This application does not limit the slot arrangement on the reinforcing section 28. In the illustrated example, the reinforcing section 28 has multiple rows of slots, for example, four rows evenly spaced along a circumferential direction surrounding the axial direction. Figure 4 The figure shows three columns R1, R2, and R3. Each slot in two opposing columns R1 and R3 is arranged radially opposite each other and may have different dimensions. They are also staggered with the corresponding slots in the other two columns (only R2 is shown in the figure) (located in different cross-sections). This application does not limit the details of these slots.

[0062] The principles of this application have been described for the purposes of the preceding examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit this application to any particular form. The terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than restrictive. Many modifications and variations can be made based on the foregoing teachings, and this application can be practiced in ways different from the specific descriptions.

Claims

1. An adjustable guidewire (100) comprising a catheter (10) extending in an axial direction, wherein a distal flexible section (26) of the catheter includes a plurality of first slots (30) spaced apart along the axial direction and a plurality of second slots (40) spaced apart along the axial direction, the first slots and the second slots extending into the catheter from a first side (S1) and a second side (S2) opposite in the radial direction, respectively, along a first cutting direction (C1) and a second cutting direction (C2) transverse to the axial direction. in, The first slot and the second slot are arranged alternately in the axial direction, and the first slot and the second slot have different shapes. The first slot (30) includes an opening (25) that opens to the first side and a protrusion that extends into the first slot through at least one of two opposing sides. The first slot defines a first width (W1) at the opening and the protrusion defines a minimum width (W0). The first slot includes: a first slot segment from the opening to the minimum width where the width is first constant and then decreases; and a second slot segment (44) from the minimum width to the bottom surface (37) of the first slot where the width increases from the minimum width to a second width (W2).

2. The adjustable bending guide wire (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The first width is greater than or equal to the second width.

3. The adjustable bending guide wire (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The first cutting direction is perpendicular to the axial direction.

4. The adjustable guide wire (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The protrusion has an arcuate profile in a plane defined by the first cutting direction and the axial direction.

5. The adjustable bending guide wire (100) according to claim 4, wherein, Each of the two opposing sides includes a protrusion extending into the first slot.

6. The adjustable bending guide wire (100) according to claim 5, wherein, The two protrusions on the two opposite sides are symmetrical about the central plane of the first slot.

7. The adjustable bending guide wire (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The first cutting direction and the second cutting direction are opposite directions in the same radial direction.

8. The adjustable bending guide wire (100) according to claim 7, wherein, In a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction, the first depth (H1) of the first groove along the first cutting direction (C1) is 5 / 6-7 / 8 of the outer diameter of the conduit; and The second depth (H2) of the second groove along the second cutting direction (C2) is 1 / 2 to 2 / 3 of the outer diameter of the conduit.

9. The adjustable guide wire (100) according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, Along the second cutting direction (C2), the second slot (40) includes a neck (52) defined by two opposing flat sides and a root (54) with increasing width.

10. The adjustable bending guide wire (100) according to claim 9, wherein, The second slot (40) has a second opening (35) that opens to the second side and has a third width (W3), and the width of the second slot (40) is constant or linearly decreasing within the neck, and the root (54) is circular.

11. The adjustable guide wire (100) according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the following is true: The ratio of the extension distance (H11) of the first groove segment of the first groove to the first depth (H1) of the first groove is in the range of 1 / 2 to 3 / 4. The ratio of the second width (W2) to the first width (W1) is in the range of 1 / 2 to 1; The ratio of the minimum width (W0) to the first width (W1) is in the range of 1 / 3 to 1 / 2.

12. The adjustable guide wire (100) according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein at least one of the following is true: One or more second slots are arranged between adjacent first slots; One or more first slots are arranged between adjacent second slots; The further away from the distal end of the conduit (10), the extension distance (H11) of the first groove segment of the first groove gradually increases; The further away from the distal end of the conduit (10), the smaller the minimum width (W0) of the first slot gradually decreases.

13. The adjustable guide wire (100) according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The conduit (10) also includes a reinforcing section (28) adjacent to the distal flexible section (26), the reinforcing section including a groove arrangement different from the groove arrangement on the distal flexible section (26).

14. The adjustable guide wire (100) according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, It also includes a mandrel (15) that passes through the lumen of the catheter (10), the distal end of the mandrel being fixed to the distal end of the catheter, and the proximal end of the mandrel and the proximal end of the catheter being configured to be connected to the operating structure and configured to be operable independently.

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