Guide wire

Abstract

The invention relates to a guide wire (1) with a core wire (2), extending from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein a proximal portion (3) is adjacent to the proximal end and a distal portion (4) is adjacent to the distal end and the distal portion (4) of the core wire (2) is surrounded by at least one wire coil (5), wherein the wire coil (5) is composed of at least two individual wires (6), which run alongside each other in the form of a spiral, and wherein the at least two wires (6) are connected to each another at multiple connection points (7) along the wire coil (5). The guide wire (1) according to the invention is characterised by a high level of dimensional stability and improved transmission of rotational movements.

Description

[0001] Guide wire

[0002] The invention relates to a medical guide wire having a core wire extending from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein a proximal portion is adjacent to the proximal end and a distal portion is adjacent to the distal end, and the distal portion of the core wire is surrounded by at least one wire coil.

[0003] In many medical interventions, such as angioplasty, the placement of stents and flow diverters, and endovascular examinations, guidewires are used to guide other medical devices to a target position. Particularly within the vascular system, the guidewire essentially paves the way for a catheter or balloon catheter, for example, which can be advanced over the guidewire after it has been positioned. Other medical devices, such as thrombectomy devices, stents, flow diverters, or implants for the treatment of aneurysms, can then be guided to the target position by means of or through the catheter. The catheter can, in particular, be a microcatheter.

[0004] In this context, the guidewire often has to be advanced distally over long distances, for example from the femoral artery into intracranial blood vessels. Accordingly, a guidewire can have a length of approximately 1.30 to 3.50 m. This gives rise to the problem that intracranial blood vessels are often narrow and tortuous, which is why the guidewire must be sufficiently flexible. In addition, it is important to avoid bending or even kinking of the guidewire during advancement (“kink resistance”). Ultimately, torque must be able to be transmitted during advancement, which is counteracted by a guidewire that is too flexible over its entire length. A guidewire is also often specially shaped at the distal end to allow access to branching vessels. For example, the distal end can have a bend or curve to the side or in a proximal direction, e.g.a 45° or 90° bend, a J-shape, or a walking stick shape. Accordingly, the distal end must be malleable and retain this shape (shape retention).

[0005] For these reasons, a guidewire is often constructed from different sections. A proximal section is usually stiffer and less flexible to ensure advancement and torque transmission, while a distal section is designed to be highly flexible to accommodate narrow-lumen blood vessels. For this purpose, the proximal section of the guidewire can be constructed from different materials, usually metals or alloys, than the distal section. Furthermore, it is known to reduce the outer diameter of the guidewire in the distal section.

[0006] Furthermore, a wire coil is often attached to the distal section of the guidewire. The guidewire thus has an inner core wire and a wire coil located on the core wire. The wire coil is often made of a radiopaque material to allow X-ray monitoring of the guidewire's insertion, and especially its correct positioning in the target area. Accordingly, the wire coil can be made of a platinum or platinum-indium wire, for example.

[0007] However, the properties of corresponding coils in the distal section of a state-of-the-art guide wire are not optimal overall. This is particularly true with regard to torsional rigidity. It is often necessary to rotate the guide wire in order to follow the course of a blood vessel, with the treating physician grasping the guide wire in a very proximal area outside the body. The rotational movement must therefore be transmitted over long distances. In the area of ​​the wire coil attached in the distal section, the problem arises that the wire coil, which rests against the inner wall of the vessel, can unwind or be further compressed depending on the rotational movement. The wire coil thus "stores" the introduced rotational movement, which can lead to the stored energy being released suddenly.This is undesirable, firstly because the attending physician cannot control the sudden movement, and secondly because it carries the risk of injury to the vessel wall.

[0008] Furthermore, while the use of platinum or platinum alloys for the wire coil provides sufficient radiopacity, these metals are not optimal in other respects. In particular, they cause undesirable stiffening of the distal portion of the guidewire, where sufficient flexibility is essential to follow the curvatures of the blood vessels.

[0009] The object of further improving guide wires known from the prior art is achieved according to the invention by a guide wire with a core wire which extends from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein a proximal section adjoins the proximal end and a distal section adjoins the distal end and the distal section of the core wire is surrounded by at least one wire coil, wherein the wire coil is formed from at least two individual wires which run spirally next to one another, and wherein the at least two wires are connected to one another at a plurality of connection points along the wire coil.

[0010] In the guide wire according to the invention, the wire coil is constructed from at least two individual wires that run spirally next to each other. The wires are thus wound parallel to each other, and the wire coil consists of at least two individual coils pushed into one another. The wire coil is usually constructed from two individual wires, but a construction of three or more wires is also possible.

[0011] Furthermore, the wires forming the wire coil or the individual coils are selectively connected to one another, namely at specific connection points. This significantly improves torsional rigidity. In particular, the above-described disadvantageous effect of spring energy being stored in the wire coil when transmitting rotary movements can be eliminated in this way. A guide wire with a wire coil, in which the wire has several connection points between the turns of the wire coil along the wire coil, is known from US 10,639,456. In contrast to the invention, however, these are connection points between turns of a single wire. The present invention further improves, in particular, dimensional stability and the transmission of rotary movements and torques.

[0012] The core wire is the wire that primarily forms the guide wire. This usually has a significantly larger outer diameter than the wires that form the wire helix. In particular, the wire helix can be designed so that the guide wire has the same or only a slightly larger diameter in the area of ​​the wire helix than in more proximal sections where only the core wire is present. In other words, the diameter of the core wire in the proximal section, where there is no wire helix, is larger than in the distal section with the wire helix, although the reduction in the diameter of the core wire is compensated for by the addition of the wire helix and the guide wire as a whole has a largely constant diameter. A slightly larger diameter is understood to mean a diameter that increases the diameter of the core wire in the proximal section by a maximum of 30%, in particular a maximum of20%, more preferably a maximum of 10%. The core wire is usually solid, but core wires with an internal cavity or lumen are not excluded. The wire coil can be firmly connected to the core wire, advantageously by welding, with welding or other connection points usually provided at the proximal and distal ends of the wire coil.

[0013] The distal section is understood to be the area of ​​the guide wire that adjoins the distal end of the guide wire in the proximal direction, whereby the distal end itself can be, but does not have to be, a component of the distal section. The distal section is shorter than the proximal section and typically has a length of approximately 40 to 450 mm, in particular 250 to 400 mm, particularly preferably approximately 300 mm. A length that is not too short is advantageous in terms of torsional rigidity and to avoid unwinding or compression of the wire coil. The distal end of the guide wire itself is expediently atraumatic, in particular rounded, in order to avoid injury to vessel walls during advancement.The proximal section is the portion of the guidewire that adjoins the proximal end of the guidewire in the distal direction. The proximal end itself may or may not be part of the proximal section. Typically, the proximal section is considerably longer than the distal section and accounts for at least a significant portion of the total length of the guidewire. A middle section may be located between the distal and proximal sections.

[0014] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are to be understood in such a way that, during insertion of the guidewire, the portions pointing toward the attending physician are referred to as proximal, and the portions pointing away from the attending physician are referred to as distal. The guidewire is thus typically advanced distally through the vascular system. The term "axial" refers to the longitudinal axis of the device, running from proximal to distal, while the term "radial" refers to planes perpendicular to this axis.

[0015] Advantageously, the core wire has a smaller outer diameter in the distal section than in the proximal section. This corresponds to a design similar to that of conventional guidewires. By reducing the diameter in the distal section, the overall diameter of the guidewire is not increased excessively by the application of the wire coil, or rather, it remains largely constant. The transition between a proximal or middle section of the core wire with a larger diameter and a distal section with a smaller diameter is preferably continuous via a conically shaped transition section. However, a transition in the form of one or more steps is also possible in principle.

[0016] The wire coil may lie directly on the distal portion of the core wire, but there may also be a gap between the wire coil and the distal portion of the core wire.

[0017] The connection points between the wires of the wire coil are logically welded points. The connection of different components of a guide wire by welding, even when dissimilar metals collide, is generally known from the state of the art and has proven successful. However, the creation of the connection points using other techniques, such as soldering or gluing, is not excluded. The connection of the wire coil to the core wire can also be achieved, in particular, by welding, although alternative connection techniques such as soldering or gluing are not excluded.

[0018] According to a first advantageous embodiment, the connection points that connect the wires forming the wire coil are at least partially placed in pairs, i.e., each connection point is assigned another connection point, with which it forms a connection point pair. An offset of approximately 180° between the connection points of a connection point pair has proven advantageous. An offset of approximately 180° is also understood to mean an offset that deviates slightly from the ideal value of 180°, for example, 5° or 10° higher or lower.

[0019] Whenever an offset between two connection points is mentioned in this context, this refers to the essentially circular cross-section in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire. If such a cross-section is considered a circle with a degree division, with 360° forming a complete circle, an offset of 180° means that the connection points are opposite each other. Since the wires are spiral, this naturally also means that there is a certain distance between the connection points in the longitudinal direction.

[0020] A subsequent connection point pair is typically offset from the preceding connection point pair, for example, by 15° to 90°. The first connection point of the subsequent connection point pair, viewed in the axial direction, is correspondingly offset by 15° to 90° from the first connection point of the preceding connection point pair, and the second connection point of the subsequent connection point pair, viewed in the axial direction, is offset by 15° to 90° from the second connection point of the preceding connection point pair. This creates a twist along the length of the wire coil, similar to the grooves of a rifle barrel. This ensures good flexibility of the distal section of the guide wire.It is also possible that the offset between the connection point pairs increases from proximal to distal, resulting in a reduction in the density of connection points from proximal to distal and thus an increase in flexibility.

[0021] According to a second advantageous embodiment, the offset between the connection points of a connection point pair is 30 to 60°, preferably approximately 45°. A subsequent connection point pair is offset from the preceding connection point pair, namely expediently by 130° to 440°. In other words, the offset between the first connection points of two consecutive connection point pairs and between the second connection points of two consecutive connection point pairs is 130° to 440°.

[0022] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the offset between the connection point pairs varies, with the offset increasing from proximal to distal. Accordingly, the distal region of the wire coil has fewer connection points than the proximal region. For example, the offset between the connection point pairs can be 130° in the proximal region and 440° in the distal region. Accordingly, the distal region is characterized by high flexibility, while the proximal region is characterized by greater rigidity and better torque transmission. The transition from a small to a large offset of the connection point pairs can occur continuously, e.g., starting with an offset of 130° and ending with an offset of 440°, with a plurality of intermediate values ​​being passed through. However, it is also possible to provide different regions arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction with different offsets of the connection points, i.e.a gradual transition of the connection point density.

[0023] The above-mentioned US 10,639,456 describes a system in which a first and a second connection point are opposite each other, while a third and a fourth connection point are offset by 90° from the first and second connection points. In contrast to the invention, however, there are no connection points between multiple wires. Furthermore, the document does not disclose any variation in the offset that is suitable for adjusting the properties of the guide wire as desired, in particular its flexibility. Even if no connection point pairs are formed that are essentially opposite each other, it is advisable to provide an offset between each connection point, for example, between 15° and 270°, in order to positively influence the flexibility of the distal section of the guide wire.

[0024] Flexibility can be adjusted by decreasing the number of connection points between the wires along the wire coil from proximal to distal. This makes the wire coil stiffer proximally and more flexible distally, which corresponds to the objective of making the guide wire as flexible as possible, especially distally.

[0025] By using different materials for the wires, the advantageous properties of the different materials are combined. The selection of different materials for the wires forming the wire coil allows for optimal adjustment of the properties of the wire coil and thus of the distal section of the guide wire. In particular, the material of a first wire can be advantageously adjusted with regard to one desired property of the wire coil, while the material of the second wire can be adjusted with regard to another desired property.

[0026] It is advantageous to make at least one of the wires forming the wire coil X-ray visible. Various metals and alloys can be used for this purpose. Examples include platinum or platinum alloys such as a platinum-indium alloy. Other alternatives include platinum-tungsten and platinum-nickel alloys, palladium, tantalum, gold, and tungsten. It is also possible to achieve X-ray visibility by coating a wire with gold. This can, for example, have a thickness of 1 to 6 μm. Platinum-nickel alloys are advantageous due to their higher strength, improving formability and durability.

[0027] To increase the elasticity of the distal section of the guide wire, it is advantageous to manufacture at least one of the wires forming the wire coil from a superelastic or pseudoelastic alloy (shape memory alloy). Nickel-titanium alloys, such as those known under the name Nitinol, are particularly suitable as pseudoelastic alloys. Another option is to manufacture at least one of the wires forming the wire coil from a cobalt-chromium alloy. Cobalt-chromium alloys have advantageous properties with regard to the transmission of torque and controllability, even over long distances. This is due to their high elasticity (Young's) and shear moduli. A high yield strength provides good protection against kinking (“kink resistance”) and permanent bending. Cobalt-chromium-nickel alloys and cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloys are particularly preferred.These can be largely titanium-free, further improving their properties. A corresponding alloy is known as 35N LT®.

[0028] Wherever alloys are mentioned within the scope of this invention, it should be clarified that the mention of metals as components of this alloy does not exclude the alloy from containing other components. For example, a cobalt-chromium alloy may contain other components such as nickel or molybdenum in addition to cobalt and chromium. Likewise, a platinum-indium alloy does not necessarily have to contain platinum and indium as the sole components. Where metals are mentioned within the scope of this invention, this also includes alloys, whereby the alloys may contain non-metals such as carbon or nitrogen in addition to metals. The possibilities and examples given for specific metals and alloys for superelastic / pseudoelastic alloys, X-ray-visible alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, etc.always apply to all references to these alloys within the scope of this description, even if they are not explicitly mentioned at a particular point, unless the text explicitly states otherwise.

[0029] The use of DFT (drawn-filled tubing) wires as wires for constructing the wire coil is also particularly preferred. DFT wires have an interior made of a specific metal and a sheath made of another metal, so that the wire combines properties of both metals. In particular, DFT wires can have an X-ray-visible interior and a pseudo-elastic sheath. The materials mentioned above are suitable, in particular platinum alloys for X-ray visibility and nickel-titanium alloys for pseudo-elasticity. It is sensible to make one of the adjacently wound wires X-ray-visible and a second one from a pseudo-elastic or cobalt-chromium alloy. A DFT wire is also suitable for the second wire, in particular with an X-ray-visible interior and a sheath made of a pseudo-elastic or cobalt-chromium alloy.

[0030] It is also possible to construct at least two wires forming the wire coil from a pseudoelastic alloy, particularly a nickel-titanium alloy. To still achieve X-ray visibility, a third wire made of an X-ray-visible material, such as a platinum alloy, can be inserted between the other wires. This third wire can have a smaller cross-section than the other wires.

[0031] To adjust the lateral stiffness of the wire coil, the pitch of the wire coil or of the individual wires forming the wire coil can be varied from proximal to distal. In particular, the pitch can be less pronounced in the distal region of the wire coil than in the proximal region. Accordingly, the coil is tighter distally than proximally. This can be done in sections, but a smooth transition is preferred, with the pitch decreasing continuously from proximal to distal.

[0032] The windings of the wires forming the wire coil can be designed so that a gap remains between the wires, or so that the wires are in direct contact. In this way, the flexibility of the wire coil and thus also of the guide wire can be specifically adjusted. A wire coil with larger gaps tends to be more flexible than one with small, few, or no gaps.

[0033] The core wire can be constructed at least partially from a cobalt-chromium alloy in the proximal section and in any central section. Since the proximal section, possibly together with a central section, makes up the largest part of the length of the guide wire, this ensures that the guide wire can be easily controlled and has sufficient kink resistance. However, the use of other materials, such as stainless steel, is also possible. In the distal section, the core wire is preferably constructed from a superelastic alloy, in particular a nickel-titanium alloy. As a rule, the distal section is significantly shorter than the proximal section and has a length of, for example, approximately 40 to 450 mm, in particular 250 to 400 mm, and particularly preferably approximately 300 mm.The use of superelastic alloys in the distal section ensures high flexibility, especially in the area where flexibility is most important.

[0034] It is therefore also advisable to design the core wire with varying degrees of flexibility in different sections, with flexibility typically being greater in the distal section than in the proximal section. As described, different materials can be used in the different sections; however, it is also possible to influence flexibility via the material thickness or cross-section of the core wire. In this case, the core wire typically has a larger cross-section proximally than distally. If different materials, particularly metals or alloys, are used in different sections, they are typically welded together at the transition points.

[0035] Furthermore, the use of DFT wires is particularly preferred for the core wire, especially in the distal section. A core wire with a radiopaque interior and a superelastic sheath combines the properties of radiopacity and flexibility, which are particularly important in the distal section. A core wire with a radiopaque interior and a sheath made of a cobalt-chromium alloy is also possible.

[0036] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the entire core wire, or at least a large part of it, is made from a wire with a superelastic interior and a sheath made of a cobalt-chromium alloy or cobalt-chromium-nickel alloy. The sheath is then completely or partially removed from the core wire in the distal section. This can be achieved, in particular, by means of a grinding process. The process can be continued until ultimately only the superelastic interior of the wire remains in the distal section; however, this is not absolutely necessary, since even removing part of the sheath increases flexibility. The advantage of this procedure is, in particular, that no foreign welding of different sections of the core wire is necessary.

[0037] Another advantage of a core wire made of a super- or pseudo-elastic alloy such as Nitinol, at least in the distal section, is the ability to shape it through appropriate heat treatment. The excellent superelastic properties ensure shape retention. This is particularly important because the distal end of a guide wire often has a curve or bend to facilitate probing the course of blood vessels and locating branching blood vessels.

[0038] It is also possible to form one or more of the wires forming the wire coil into a coil, i.e., to twist them together before the wire is then wound into the shape of the wire coil. This essentially produces a coiled coil or double coil, consisting of a primary coil that is converted into the shape of a secondary coil. Several wires wound as a primary coil can lie next to one another in the wire coil, i.e., the secondary coil. However, it is also conceivable to twist only one or some of the wires forming the wire coil into themselves before forming the wire coil.

[0039] In the distal section of the core wire, several wire coils can also be arranged radially one above the other. In other words, one wire coil can be arranged further outward than another wire coil, whereby the overlap of the wire coils can be complete or partial. Guide wires with wire coils arranged one above the other are known, for example, from US Pat. No. 8,480,598 B2. At least one of the wire coils is formed from at least two individual wires as described in the invention. The overlap of the individual wire coils does not have to be complete; one or more wire coils can also be shorter than others and / or only partially overlap.

[0040] When multiple wire coils are arranged one above the other, it is advantageous to wind them in opposite directions, i.e., once as a left-hand turn and once as a right-hand turn, or alternating. This further improves torque transmission, as differences in the direction of rotation are compensated for by the opposing rotation of the wire coils.

[0041] The at least two wires forming the wire coil do not necessarily have to run spirally alongside one another over the entire length of the wire coils, but they should do so over most of their length, preferably over at least 70%, more preferably over at least 80%, and even more preferably over at least 90% of the total length of the wire coil. However, the most preferred solution is for the wires forming the wire coil to run alongside one another over the entire length of the wire coil, i.e., 100%.

[0042] The guidewire may have a bend or curve at the distal end. For example, the guidewire may have a bend or curve of 45° to 180° at the distal end, e.g., 90° or 135°. This gives the guidewire the shape of a J or a walking stick at the distal end. One advantage is that probing and advancement into narrow-lumen blood vessels is easier, firstly because the curved or bent tip can be rotated into a position where it more easily follows the curvature of the blood vessel. Secondly, a guidewire with a distal bend or curve is more atraumatic, meaning the risk of injury to the vessel walls is reduced. Maintaining the shape of the guidewire at the distal end is helpful in fulfilling its functions. The wire coil can lie wholly or partially in the area of ​​or even proximal to the bend / curvature.

[0043] In most cases, both the wires forming the wire coil and the core wire are circular in cross-section. However, other shapes are also conceivable, particularly an oval cross-section.

[0044] The properties of the guidewire or its individual components can be influenced by state-of-the-art processes, such as cold forming, heat treatment, tempering, or recrystallization annealing. Ideally, the guidewire has a polymer sheath on its outside. A hydrophilic coating can be applied in addition to or instead of the polymer sheath. PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or another fluoropolymer can be used for the polymer sheath. Other materials that can be used for the polymer sheath include polyamides, polyurethanes, polyvinyl chloride, polyesters, polystyrene, polyimides, polycarbonates, polyolefins such as polypropylene or polyethylene, or silicones. The polymer sheath and / or hydrophilic coating do not have to extend over the entire length of the guidewire; partial sheathing or coating is also possible.For example, a proximal section can be coated with the polymer sheath, while a hydrophilic coating is applied distally to improve the guidewire's lubricity. The hydrophilic coating can extend beyond the distal section, which carries the wire coil, and, for example, over a length of 30 to 40 cm. Polyvinylpyrrolidones, cellulose-based polymers, or polyvinyl alcohols can be used as hydrophilic coatings.

[0045] The guidewire according to the invention can be used particularly in the neurovascular field, but can also be used in the cardiovascular or peripheral field. The guidewire is particularly important for intracranial and coronary blood vessels, since in these cases, narrow-lumen blood vessels must be reached and, secondly, the guidewire must be advanced over relatively long distances.

[0046] The diameter of the guide wire is typically in the range of 0.2 to 0.5 mm, although the diameter does not have to be constant over the entire length.

[0047] The guidewire according to the invention can be used in conjunction with both OTW (Over The Wire) catheters, in which the guidewire runs through the entire lumen of the catheter, and Rx (Rapid Exchange) catheters. In this case, the guidewire runs only through the distal section of the catheter, with the distal section typically having a length of approximately 20 to 40 cm. Accordingly, the catheter has a passage opening proximal to the distal section through which the guidewire runs and exits the lumen of the catheter. Such a passage opening is also referred to as a port. OTW and Rx systems are familiar to those skilled in the art, for example, in the field of balloon catheters.

[0048] The guide wire can be provided with handles at the proximal end to make it easier for the attending physician to handle the guide wire.

[0049] In addition to the guide wire according to the invention itself, the invention also relates to the use of the guide wire and the combination of the guide wire with other medical devices.

[0050] All descriptions of features of the invention refer to all embodiments, unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0051] The invention is explained in more detail using the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. It should be noted that the figures show preferred embodiments of the invention; however, the invention is not limited thereto. In general, the invention encompasses, to the extent technically feasible, any combination of the technical features listed in the claims or described in the description as relevant to the invention.

[0052] They show:

[0053] Fig. 1 shows the guide wire according to the invention according to a first embodiment in a side view;

[0054] Fig. 2 shows the guide wire according to the invention according to a second embodiment in a side view;

[0055] Fig. 3 shows a side view of part of a wire coil of the guide wire according to the invention according to another embodiment; Fig. 4 shows the part of the wire coil according to Fig. 3 in a diagonal view;

[0056] Fig. 5 shows a part of a wire coil of the guide wire according to the invention according to a further embodiment in a side view; and

[0057] Fig. 6 shows the part of the wire coil according to Fig. 5 in a diagonal view.

[0058] Figure 1 shows a side view of a guide wire 1 according to the invention, wherein a distal section 4 adjoins a proximal section 3 along the longitudinal axis 9. The length of the proximal section 3, which is not shown in full here, significantly exceeds the length of the distal section 4. The guide wire 1 has a core wire 2 whose diameter decreases in the distal section 4. In the distal region of the core wire 2, a wire coil 5 is fixed to the core wire 2, so that the overall diameter of the guide wire 1 in the distal section 4 approximately corresponds to that in the proximal section 3. The core wire 2 is made of a cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy in the proximal section 3 and of a pseudoelastic nickel-titanium alloy in the distal section 4. The distal section 4 of the guide wire 1 is provided on the outside with a hydrophilic coating 11.

[0059] The wire coil 5 consists of two spiral wires 6 running side by side. In this embodiment, wires 6 of different diameters are used. The thicker wire 6 is made of a nickel-titanium alloy, while the thinner wire 6 is a platinum wire, which ensures the X-ray visibility of the distal section 4.

[0060] Figure 2 shows a variant of the guide wire 1 according to the invention, which corresponds to that of Figure 1 in terms of basic structure. However, the wire coil 5 here is composed of two wires 6 of identical diameter, one wire 6 being made of a nickel-titanium alloy, while the other wire 6 is a DFT wire with an X-ray-visible interior made of platinum or a platinum alloy and a pseudoelastic sheath made of nickel-titanium. Additionally, a further wire coil 8 is provided inside the wire coil 5, which extends only over part of the length of the wire coil 5 and is made of platinum.

[0061] Figure 3 shows only part of a wire coil 5, namely the distal part. The wires 6, which run spirally next to one another, are each connected to one another at connection points 7 arranged in pairs. The offset within each connection point pair 10 is 45°. The next connection point pair 10 is each arranged with an offset of 440° from the previous connection point pair 10. Since the offset between the two connection points 7 in this connection point pair 10 is also 45°, this means that the offset between the first connection points 7 of two consecutive connection point pairs 10 is also 440°. The same applies to the offset between the two second connection points 7 of two consecutive connection point pairs 10. The connection points 7 are usually weld points.

[0062] Overall, there are relatively large distances between the connection point pairs 10 in this embodiment, meaning the total number of connection points 7 is relatively small. This results in a high degree of flexibility of the wire coil 5, which is particularly desirable distally.

[0063] Figure 4 shows the wire coil from Figure 3 in a diagonal view. The comparatively loose distribution of the connection points 7 can be seen.

[0064] Figure 5 shows another part of a wire coil 5, which is more commonly found in the proximal region of the wire coil 5. Here, too, the offset between the connection points 7 of a connection point pair 10 is 45°, but the offset between the connection point pairs 10 is significantly smaller at 130°. The connection points 7 are arranged correspondingly more densely, which is associated with lower flexibility but higher rigidity and better torque transmission.

[0065] Figure 6 shows the wire coil from Figure 5 in a diagonal view.

[0066] One can see the comparatively dense distribution of the connection points 7.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A guide wire comprising a core wire (2) extending from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein a proximal portion (3) adjoins the proximal end and a distal portion (4) adjoins the distal end, and the distal portion (4) of the core wire (2) is surrounded by at least one wire coil (5), characterized in that the wire coil (5) is formed from at least two individual wires (6) which run spirally next to one another, and wherein the at least two wires (6) are connected to one another along the wire coil (5) at a plurality of connection points (7).

2. Guide wire according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two wires (6) are constructed from at least two different materials.

3. Guide wire according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the core wire (2) has a smaller outer diameter in the distal section (4) than in the proximal section (3).

4. Guide wire according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the connection points (7) are welding points.

5. Guide wire according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the number of connection points (7) along the wire coil (5) decreases from proximal to distal.

6. Guide wire according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the connection points (7) are at least partly set in pairs.

7. Guide wire according to claim 6, characterized in that the offset between the connection points (7) of a connection point pair (10) is approximately 180°.

8. Guide wire according to claim 7, characterized in that the offset between the respective first connection points (7) of two consecutive connection point pairs (10) is 15° to 90°, wherein the respective first connection point (7) is the more proximal connection point (7) of a connection point pair (10).

9. Guide wire according to claim 6, characterized in that the offset between the connection points (7) of a connection point pair (10) is 30 to 60°, preferably approximately 45°.

10. Guide wire according to claim 9, characterized in that the offset between the respective first connection points (7) of two consecutive connection point pairs (10) is 130° to 440°, wherein the respective first connection point (7) is the more proximal connection point (7) of a connection point pair (10).

11. Guide wire according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the offset between the respective first connection points (7) of two successive connection point pairs (10) increases from proximal to distal.

12. Guide wire according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one of the wires (6) forming the wire coil (5) is X-ray visible.

13. Guide wire according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least one of the wire coil (5) forming Wires (6) are made of a superelastic alloy or a cobalt-chromium alloy.

14. Guide wire according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the pitch of the wire coil (5) becomes smaller from proximal to distal.

15. Guide wire according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the core wire (2) in the proximal section (3) is at least partially constructed from a cobalt-chromium alloy.

16. Guide wire according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the core wire (2) in the distal section (4) is at least partially constructed from a superelastic alloy.

17. Guide wire according to claim 16, characterized in that the core wire (2) in the distal section (4) has an X-ray visible interior and a sheath made of a superelastic alloy.

18. Guide wire according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the core wire (2) is constructed from a superelastic interior and a sheath made of a cobalt-chromium or cobalt-chromium-nickel alloy, wherein the sheath is completely or partially removed in the distal section (4) of the core wire (2).

19. Guide wire according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that at least some of the wires (6) forming the wire coil (5) are twisted.

20. Guide wire according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the distal section (4) of the core wire (2) is surrounded by several wire coils (5, 8) arranged radially one above the other.

21. Guide wire according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the at least two wire coils (5) forming Wires (6) run spirally next to one another over at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90% and particularly preferably 100% of the total length of the wire coil (5).

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