Guidewire with conductive element

Abstract

SOLUTION: A guidewire is provided comprising: a guidewire core; a first insulating layer disposed on a surface of the guidewire core; multiple first conductive traces spaced apart from each other in a side direction of the guidewire core and disposed on a surface of the first insulating layer and along a length direction of the guidewire core; and multiple connection sections disposed on at least one of both end sides in a length direction of the multiple first conductive traces and electrically connected with an electronic component; where ends of the multiple first conductive traces having the multiple connection sections are arranged in parallel to the length direction of the guidewire core, and the multiple connection sections are arranged in a straight line parallel to a longitudinal axis of the guidewire core.EFFECT: This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where electrical or mechanical properties of a device need to be altered in specific sections to either enhance device performance and reliability, facilitate assembly, or in some instances achieve desired electrical characteristics.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 122,430, filed December 7, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to guidewires having sensors and methods and apparatus for assembling guidewires having multiple sensors incorporated within or along the body of the guidewire. In particular, the present invention relates to guidewires incorporating pressure sensors within or along the body of the guidewire and methods and apparatus for assembling the same. [Background technology]

[0003] Guidewires can have multiple sensors or sensor assemblies incorporated directly into them. Guidewires equipped with such sensors may be adapted to measure various physiological parameters within a patient. For example, sensors typically have one or more cables extending through the guidewire to electrically couple the sensor elements to an electronic assembly.

[0004] Guidewires are generally constructed of a core wire hypotube and a coiled segment that can extend through the length or a portion of the length of the guidewire. The guidewire core may be fabricated from stainless steel or nitinol, and the coiled segment may be fabricated from wire or braid, which provides the guidewire with flexibility, pushability, and kink resistance. Nitinol wire, used by itself or in combination with stainless steel, may further help increase flexibility and allow the wire to return to shape.

[0005] Furthermore, guidewires typically have a diameter of 0.014 inches, and as a result, accommodating certain sensors or having multiple sensors may be limited by the relatively small space provided by the guidewire. Furthermore, guidewires are typically used to insert into and navigate blood vessels that have very tortuous paths. As such, the guidewire, and any sensors or electrodes along the guidewire, may be subjected to relatively large stresses as the guidewire is pushed, pulled, and twisted through a pathway with numerous curves and bends.

[0006] A guidewire incorporating one or more electrodes along its length can pose additional challenges to the construction and use of the guidewire. For example, the presence of multiple electrodes along the guidewire may require additional conductive wiring to run the length of the guidewire. Due to the limited space and flexibility required of a guidewire, sensors and / or electrodes disposed along its length are desirably configured accordingly. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] As a result, there is a need for guidewire designs that provide for the efficient construction of guidewires that incorporate one or more electrodes and / or sensors along their length. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present disclosure provides a guidewire comprising a guidewire core, a first insulating layer provided on the surface of the guidewire core, a plurality of first conductive traces provided on the surface of the first insulating layer and along the longitudinal direction of the guidewire core, spaced apart laterally from one another, and a plurality of connection portions provided on at least one of both longitudinal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces and electrically connected to an electronic component, wherein the ends of the plurality of first conductive traces provided with the plurality of connection portions are arranged in parallel with each other along the longitudinal axis of the guidewire core, and the plurality of connection portions are arranged on a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire core.

[0009] Furthermore, a second insulating layer may be provided covering the plurality of first conductive traces and the first insulating layer, and the plurality of connection portions may be configured to include inner openings opened in the second insulating layer to reach the corresponding first conductive traces.

[0010] The end of at least one conductive trace may be formed to extend circumferentially around the guidewire core so as to be positioned longitudinally ahead of the end of another adjacent conductive trace via a gap.

[0011] A conductive band formed from a conductive material is arranged so as to cover at least a portion of the inner opening of the connection portion, a conductive connecting member is arranged in the inner opening, the connection portion and the conductive band are electrically connected via the conductive connecting member, and the conductive band and the conductive connecting member may be formed from different conductive materials.

[0012] The plurality of conductive bands may have outer openings that penetrate the thickness direction of the conductive bands and are arranged overlapping with the inner openings, and the conductive connecting member that electrically connects the conductive bands and the connecting portion may be provided inside the outer openings.

[0013] The outer opening and the inner opening may be arranged to overlap but offset along the length of the guidewire core.

[0014] The area of ​​the inner opening may be larger than the area of ​​the outer opening.

[0015] The outer opening may be formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view.

[0016] The outer opening may be formed in a notch shape in which at least one of both widthwise end portions of the conductive band is open in a plan view.

[0017] The outer opening may be formed in an inverted tapered shape that, in a planar view, widens from the opening at one of the two widthwise ends of the conductive band toward a side that is displaced in the widthwise direction of the conductive band.

[0018] The plurality of connection portions may be provided on the proximal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces in the length direction.

[0019] The outer openings may be formed on both ends of the conductive band in the width direction.

[0020] The conductive bands and the conductive connecting members may be formed from a conductive material.

[0021] The conductive connecting member may be formed from an anisotropic conductive material that forms a conductive path in the thickness direction of the conductive band when pressure is applied from the thickness direction of the conductive band, and that is more elastically deformable than solder.

[0022] The conductive band may include a conductive connecting member made of an anisotropic conductive material that is arranged to fill the outer opening and the inner opening and to cover the second insulating layer, and a C-shaped member that is arranged outside the conductive connecting member and is made of a conductive material.

[0023] A conductive band formed from a conductive material is arranged so as to cover at least a portion of the inner opening of the connection portion, and the connection portion and the conductive band are electrically connected via a conductive connecting member arranged within the inner opening, and the conductive band and the conductive connecting member may be formed integrally.

[0024] A wound conductive wire may be disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the second insulating layer, and both ends of the conductive wire may be secured to the first conductive trace through the inner opening.

[0025] A metal layer of gold or a gold alloy and a barrier metal layer that prevents diffusion into the metal layer and the conductive trace are formed in the area of ​​the first conductive trace where one end of the conductive wire is fixed, and the conductive wire may be formed of gold, a gold alloy, or aluminum.

[0026] The plurality of connection portions may be provided at distal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces in the length direction.

[0027] The guidewire core may further include a plurality of second conductive traces provided on the surface of the second insulating layer, a third insulating layer provided so as to cover the plurality of second conductive traces and the second insulating layer, a plurality of second connection portions arranged on a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire core at at least one of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of second conductive traces and electrically connected to an electronic component, the plurality of second connection portions being configured to include second inner openings opened in the third insulating layer so as to reach corresponding second conductive traces, and a second conductive band formed in the circumferential direction of the guidewire core so as to cover at least one of the plurality of second connection portions, wherein the second connection portions covered by the second conductive band and the second conductive band are electrically connected via a conductive connecting member provided in the second inner opening.

[0028] The plurality of connection portions are provided at the distal ends of both longitudinal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces, and a conductive band formed from a conductive material is arranged so as to cover at least a portion of the inner opening, and the connection portions and the conductive band are electrically connected via a conductive connecting member arranged within the inner opening, and the conductive band may be electrically connected to a printed wiring board on which electronic components are mounted via a conductive connecting member for the board.

[0029] The printed wiring board may have a flexible substrate portion located on the conductive band side and a rigid substrate portion located on the distal end side of the flexible substrate portion, and the electronic components may be provided on the rigid substrate portion.

[0030] The rigid substrate portion may be formed with a housing portion for housing and attaching electronic components, and the rigid substrate portion may be disposed on the distal end side of the guidewire core.

[0031] The plurality of first conductive traces may include at least one group of a plurality of first conductive traces that are equal in length to one another.

[0032] The plurality of first conductive traces constituting the group may be formed as point-symmetric pairs.

[0033] At least one of the plurality of first conductive traces constituting a group may have a meandering portion such that it has the same length as the other first conductive traces in the group.

[0034] In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a guidewire comprising: a guidewire core; a first insulating layer provided on the surface of the guidewire core; a plurality of first conductive traces provided on the surface of the first insulating layer and along the length of the guidewire core, spaced apart in a lateral direction of the guidewire core; a second insulating layer covering the plurality of first conductive traces and the first insulating layer; a plurality of connection portions provided on at least one of both ends in the length direction of the plurality of first conductive traces and electrically connected to electronic components, the plurality of connection portions including inner openings opened in the second insulating layer so as to reach the corresponding first conductive traces; a conductive band formed in the circumferential direction so as to cover the plurality of connection portions and the second insulating layer; an outer opening penetrating the plurality of conductive bands in the thickness direction and positioned overlapping with the inner opening; and conductive connection members provided inside the outer opening and inside the inner opening and electrically connecting the conductive band and the connection portions.

[0035] The outer opening and the inner opening may be arranged to overlap but offset along the length of the guidewire core.

[0036] The area of ​​the inner opening may be larger than the area of ​​the outer opening.

[0037] The outer opening may be formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view.

[0038] The outer opening may be formed in a notch shape that is open on the end side of the conductive band in a plan view.

[0039] The outer opening may be formed in an inverted tapered shape that, in a planar view, widens from the opening at one of the two widthwise ends of the conductive band toward a side that is displaced in the widthwise direction of the conductive band.

[0040] The outer openings may be formed on both ends of the conductive band in the width direction.

[0041] The conductive bands and conductive connecting members may be formed from a conductive material.

[0042] The conductive connecting member may be made of an anisotropic conductive material that forms a conductive path in the thickness direction of the conductive band when pressure is applied in the thickness direction of the conductive band.

[0043] The guidewire core may further include a plurality of second conductive traces provided on the surface of the second insulating layer, a third insulating layer provided so as to cover the plurality of second conductive traces and the second insulating layer, a plurality of second connection portions arranged on a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire core at at least one of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of second conductive traces and electrically connected to electronic components, the plurality of second connection portions including second inner openings opened in the third insulating layer so as to reach corresponding second conductive traces, and a second conductive band formed in the circumferential direction of the guidewire core so as to cover at least one of the plurality of second connection portions, wherein the second connection portions covered by the second conductive band and the second conductive band are electrically connected via a conductive connecting member provided in the second inner opening.

[0044] The plurality of first conductive traces includes at least one group of the plurality of first conductive traces having equal lengths.

[0045] The plurality of first conductive traces constituting the group may be formed as point-symmetric pairs.

[0046] At least one of the plurality of first conductive traces constituting the group may have a meandering portion such that it has the same length as the other first conductive traces in the group.

[0047] In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a guidewire comprising: a guidewire core; a first insulating layer provided on the surface of the guidewire core; a plurality of first conductive traces provided on the surface of the first insulating layer and along the longitudinal direction of the guidewire core, spaced apart in the lateral direction of the guidewire core; a second insulating layer covering the plurality of first conductive traces and the first insulating layer; a plurality of connecting portions provided on at least one of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of first conductive traces, the connecting portions including inner openings opened in the second insulating layer to reach the plurality of first conductive traces; and a conductive member formed to cover the first conductive traces and the second insulating layer via at least one of the plurality of connecting portions, and which forms a conductive path in the thickness direction when pressure is applied in the thickness direction.

[0048] Furthermore, the electrical connection component may include an electronic component electrically connected to the plurality of connection portions, and the electrical connection component as the electronic component may have a plurality of pressing portions corresponding to the plurality of first conductive traces, and the electrical connection component may be electrically connected to the plurality of first conductive traces by pressing each pressing portion against the conductive member.

[0049] The conductive members may be formed from an anisotropic conductive material that is more elastically deformable than solder.

[0050] A conductive band may be provided to cover the surface of the conductive member.

[0051] The present disclosure can also be applied to an elongated medical instrument that includes a guidewire having the above-described configuration.

[0052] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing a guidewire, comprising the steps of: providing a guidewire core; forming a first insulating layer on a surface of the guidewire core; forming a plurality of first conductive traces on the surface of the first insulating layer along the length of the guidewire core; forming a plurality of connection portions on at least one of both ends of the length of the plurality of first conductive traces so that the connection portions are arranged on a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire core; disposing an electronic component on the distal side of the guidewire core; and electrically connecting the first conductive traces and the electronic component through inner openings of the connection portions.

[0053] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing a guidewire, the method comprising the steps of: providing a guidewire core; forming a first insulating layer on a surface of the guidewire core; forming a plurality of first conductive traces on the surface of the first insulating layer along a length of the guidewire core; forming a second insulating layer covering the plurality of first conductive traces and the first insulating layer; forming a plurality of connecting portions at at least one of both longitudinal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces, the connecting portions including inner openings opened in the second insulating layer to reach each of the plurality of first conductive traces; disposing a conductive band having outer openings on the surface of the second insulating layer such that the outer opening and the inner opening overlap; forming conductive connecting members inside the outer opening and inside the inner opening that electrically connect the conductive band to the connecting portions corresponding to the conductive band; disposing an electronic component on a distal side of the guidewire core; and electrically connecting the electronic component to the conductive band.

[0054] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing a guidewire, the method comprising the steps of: providing a guidewire core; forming a first insulating layer on a surface of the guidewire core; forming a plurality of first conductive traces on the surface of the first insulating layer along the length of the guidewire core; forming a second insulating layer covering the first conductive traces and the first insulating layer; forming a plurality of connection portions at at least one of both longitudinal ends of the first conductive traces, the connection portions including inner openings opened in the second insulating layer to reach each of the first conductive traces; forming a conductive member covering the first conductive traces and the second insulating layer located inside the inner openings of the connection portions, the conductive member forming a conductive path in the thickness direction when pressure is applied in the thickness direction; arranging an electronic component on the distal side of the guidewire core; and electrically connecting the electronic component and the conductive member.

[0055] A guidewire can incorporate a number of different sensors within or along its body. In certain variations, a pressure sensor, optionally having one or more electrodes, may be incorporated along the body or at the distal end of the guidewire. A guidewire with one or more electrodes integrated directly along its body may have a proximal coil attached to an electrode assembly having one or more electrodes and a distal coil attached to the distal end of the electrode assembly. The guidewire core may extend through the length of the guidewire assembly and may extend partially or completely through the electrode assembly.

[0056] One variation for assembling a guidewire assembly generally includes providing a corewire having a tapered distal portion, securing one or more conductive wires to the corewire by passing the corewire through wire-receiving channels defined through or along the sensor package, securing the one or more conductive wires to the corewire, and then encapsulating the one or more conductive wires and corewire.

[0057] An example method of forming a guidewire assembly may generally include providing a guidewire core, disposing an insulating layer on a surface of the guidewire core, and printing one or more conductive traces directly onto the surface of the insulating layer.

[0058] Another example of a method of forming a guidewire assembly can generally include providing a guidewire core, disposing an insulating layer on the surface of the guidewire core, and disposing aerosolized conductive ink on the surface of the insulating layer to form one or more conductive traces.

[0059] Yet another example of a method of forming a guidewire assembly can generally include providing a guidewire core, disposing an insulating layer on a surface of the guidewire core, disposing a conductive layer on a surface of the insulating layer, and removing a portion of the conductive layer such that one or more conductive traces are formed on the insulating layer.

[0060] In forming a guidewire assembly, the pressure sensor packaging, in one variation, may include a sensor casing that generally forms a cylindrical housing surrounding or supporting the pressure sensor components secured therein. The sensor casing may define a detection window along the side of the casing, which exposes the internal pressure sensor to the fluid environment. The sensor core may be secured within the sensor casing and connected to a flex circuit extending from the proximal end of the sensor casing, which may be connected to a controller or processor via one or more conductors extending through the length of the guidewire. Conductive traces or wires along the flex circuit may be directly attached to one or more corresponding conductive wires extending proximally through the guidewire body for electrical connection to the controller or processor.

[0061] Another variation includes a configuration in which a flex circuit extends proximally from the sensor casing, but instead of being directly attached to one or more conductive wires, the flex circuit may be electrically connected to one or more conductive ring elements, which in turn are electrically connected to one or more conductive wires. The ring elements may be coaxially arranged adjacent to one another, and the number of elements used may depend on the number of electrical connections required. One or more conductive wires may be selectively electrically coupled to specific pads or traces on the flex circuit, with each ring element electrically connected to a single pad or trace. Each ring element may be electrically coupled to a selective conductive wire along the inner diameter of the ring element, with the remainder of the ring element being electrically connected to another conductor or component as needed.

[0062] The sensor casing may define a longitudinal passageway therethrough to permit passage of a guidewire core therethrough. The casing may further define a distal opening in which a tip of a guidewire is positioned and secured to extend from a distal end of the casing, the guidewire core extending longitudinally through the casing adjacent to or below the flex circuit, pressure sensor, and detection window. The sensor core is shown secured within the casing adjacent to the flex circuit extending proximally from the casing.

[0063] In yet another variation for electrically coupling elements within or along a guidewire, the guidewire assembly may have conductive ink printed on a polymer substrate to form a subassembly for carrying signals from one end of the guidewire or catheter to the other. The use of conductive traces directly on the device substrate and then insulating the traces with a dielectric material can eliminate the need for conductive wires and the associated processing and handling.

[0064] A polymer layer (e.g., PET, PTFE, etc.) may be coated onto the guidewire core via heat shrink to provide an insulating substrate. The polymer layer may be coated or laid over the entire guidewire core, or a portion of the distal end may be left uncoated to secure the pressure sensor assembly. One or more conductive traces (e.g., nanosilver, nanogold, nanocopper, etc.) may then be printed directly onto the polymer layer such that the traces extend from one or more corresponding distal pads to one or more corresponding proximal pads.

[0065] These conductive trace(s) can be configured in many different patterns because they are printed directly onto the polymer layer. Once the conductive trace(s) are printed onto the polymer layer, the trace(s) can then be insulated. One variation for insulating the traces is to mask the ends of the traces that need to remain exposed to form electrical connection pads, and then deposit another polymer layer over the conductive traces. For example, another heat shrink tubing or layer can be used, or another polymer layer (e.g., PTFE, Parylene) can be deposited over the exposed conductive traces using physical vapor deposition, dip coating, or other methods.

[0066] As yet another variation, a conductive coating can be applied over the dielectric layer using a bulk metallization process such as physical vapor deposition (PVD), or by electroplating, electroless plating, or printing a wider metal layer on top of the dielectric layer using conductive ink. Such a metal layer can provide EM shielding, eliminating or reducing noise and improving the system's signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

[0067] Another variation for insulating the traces is to use a polymer ink to print a dielectric polymer directly on top of the conductive traces, where the printing process can be used to selectively print the polymer ink to form an insulating layer while exposing portions of the conductive traces to form conductive pads for electrical coupling to components.

[0068] Regardless of which method is used, the resulting guidewire core and polymer layer may be coupled to a pressure sensor assembly. One or more ring elements may be electrically coupled along a portion of their inner diameter to corresponding pads exposed along the flex circuit, and a second portion along one or more ring elements may be electrically coupled to corresponding pads of conductive traces disposed on the polymer layer to electrically couple the pressure sensor assembly (or any other component). A distal coil tip may then be attached to the distal end of the sensor casing, and the polymer may be reflowed or molded over the guidewire core along the central portion, the distal coil or tip along the distal portion, and the remainder of the guidewire core along the proximal portion, as well as the portions between the electrodes (if utilized).

[0069] Another variation of the assembly method involves a polymer layer being formed separately before being placed on the guidewire core. The conductive traces may be printed directly on the outer layer of the polymer, with their corresponding exposed pads extending the length of the polymer layer. The insulating layer may similarly be printed directly on top of the conductive traces. Using the pre-printed polymer layer, the guidewire core may be inserted into the polymer layer and adhered with any number of suitable adhesives, such as cyanoacrylate. The pressure sensor assembly may then be secured to the guidewire core, and the flex circuit may be electrically bonded directly to the exposed pads of the attachment to complete the electrical connection. In another variation for printing conductive traces, a polymer tube may be placed on the guidewire core, with one or more conductive traces printed on the outer layer of the tube. Circular rings may then be printed on the polymer tube using a conductive ink, with the rings coinciding with the exposed areas of the conductive traces, allowing the flex circuit and other components of the pressure sensor assembly to be electrically coupled to the conductive traces via connections to the circular rings. Because the circular rings are printed circumferentially around the tube, the exposed areas may be offset longitudinally from one another to allow the rings to be printed around the entire circumference of the tube. Also, there is preferably sufficient longitudinal spacing between the exposed regions to allow the rings to be printed coaxially with one another without interference. In other variations, partial circumferential rings may be printed rather than full circumferential rings.

[0070] Yet another variation for creating conductive traces may have a first insulating polymer layer (e.g., PARYLENE (Specialty Coating Systems, Inc., Indianapolis, IN), TEFLON (EI DuPont De Nemours, Wilmington, DE), polyimide, etc.) disposed on the outer surface of the guidewire core. A second conductive polymer layer having a conductive material (e.g., gold, silver, copper, etc.) may then be coated onto the first polymer layer using any number of processes, such as electroless deposition, physical vapor deposition, etc. The thickness of the conductive layer will vary depending on the application and is often determined by considering both the electrical requirements (current-carrying capacity) and the mechanical requirements (e.g., stiffness) of the device. This second conductive layer may be separated into individual conductive elements using laser micromachining, photochemical etching, etc.

[0071] The entire assembly can then be insulated using a dielectric insulating polymer, either in the form of a coating or heat shrink (e.g., Teflon, PET), depending on the application. Multiple individual conductive elements can be formed depending on the application. Also, depending on the application, various sizes and shapes of connection terminals can be formed on both ends to facilitate connection to the formed individual conductive elements. This construction technique allows multiple individual conductive elements to be formed directly on the device, eliminating the need to remove material to accommodate individual conductive lines or hollow the device to accommodate conductive lines or elements. This significantly improves the intended device performance and reduces manufacturing costs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0072] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a guidewire having a sensor. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of a guidewire core with a sensor attached thereto. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the state in which the conductive trace and the conductive band are electrically connected. [Figure 4]4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow IV-IV direction in FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view seen from the direction of arrow VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a plurality of electrical connection parts arranged in a straight line. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the conductive band, seen from the same direction as FIG. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a plurality of conductive traces and a plurality of electrical connections. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram illustrating another relationship between a plurality of conductive traces and a plurality of electrical connections. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C is a schematic diagram illustrating another relationship between a plurality of conductive traces and a plurality of electrical connections. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another relationship between a plurality of conductive traces and a plurality of electrical connections. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which a plurality of electrical connection portions and a plurality of conductive bands are electrically connected to each other. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is an enlarged plan view showing one electrical connection portion. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is an enlarged plan view of one conductive band. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11C is a plan view in which the notched portion of the conductive band and the opening portion of the insulating layer are arranged so as to partially overlap each other. [Figure 11D] FIG. 11D is a plan view in which the cutout portion and the opening portion are electrically connected by a conductive connecting member. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the notch in the conductive band and the opening in the insulating layer. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another relationship between the notched portion of the conductive band and the opening portion of the insulating layer. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another relationship between the notched portion of the conductive band and the opening portion of the insulating layer. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example in which the opening of the conductive band is wider than the opening of the insulating layer. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the example of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a plan view seen from the direction of the arrow in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example in which the openings in the insulating layer are wider than the openings in the conductive bands. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a plan view seen from the direction of the arrow in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing an example in which an anisotropic conductive material is used as the conductive connecting member. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distal end of a guidewire having multiple layers of conductive traces. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the proximal end of a guidewire having multiple layers of conductive traces. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example in which a printed wiring board on which a sensor is mounted is attached to a conductive band formed from conductive wire. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 shows an example of a structure for attaching a sensor to the distal end side of a guidewire core. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example in which a sensor is mounted on a printed wiring board having a flexible board portion and a rigid board portion. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example in which a housing portion for housing a sensor is provided in a rigid substrate portion. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 shows an example in which conductive bands are provided corresponding to each conductive trace layer. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 shows an example in which each conductive band is electrically connected to a conductive trace on each layer. [Figure 29]FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example in which a flexible substrate having a flexible substrate portion and a rigid substrate portion is used when a conductive band is associated with each conductive trace layer. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of the layout relationship between the conductive bands, conductive traces, and electrical connection portions. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing another example of the arrangement relationship between the conductive bands, conductive traces, and electrical connection portions. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing another example of the layout relationship between the conductive bands, conductive traces, and electrical connections. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example in which the conductive traces are arranged with different lengths. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 shows an example of arranging pairs of conductive traces with the same length. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 shows another example of arranging pairs of conductive traces with the same length. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example in which an anisotropic conductive elastomer is used as the anisotropic conductive material to electrically connect the conductive band and the conductive trace. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example in which an anisotropic conductive elastomer, which is an anisotropic conductive material, is used as a member having the functions of both a conductive band and an electrical connection portion. [Figure 38] 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along the direction of arrows XXXVIII-XXXVIII in FIG. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is an explanatory view schematically showing a connector member that electrically connects the guide wire to an external device. [Figure 40A] FIG. 40A is a plan view of the guidewire core. [Figure 40B] FIG. 40B is a plan view of a guidewire core having a first insulating layer formed on its surface. [Figure 40C] FIG. 40C is a plan view of a guidewire core having a conductive layer formed on the surface of a first insulating layer. [Figure 40D]FIG. 40D is a plan view of a guidewire core with multiple conductive traces formed by selectively etching the conductive layer. [Figure 41] FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of a method for connecting the pads of the sensor to the electrical connection parts. [Figure 42] 42 is a front view seen from the direction of the arrow in FIG. [Figure 43] FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an example in which the pads of the sensor and the electrical connection parts are connected using conductive bands. [Figure 44] FIG. 44 is a diagram showing that a flag portion having a larger area than the other portions can be formed on at least one of the distal end side and the proximal end side of the conductive trace. [Figure 45] FIG. 45 is an external view of a guidewire core having conductive traces formed on its surface. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 is a diagram showing the external appearance of a guidewire core having conductive traces formed on its surface, viewed from another direction. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is a plan view of a guidewire core with a second insulating layer formed over the first insulating layer and the conductive traces. [Figure 48] FIG. 48 is a plan view of a guidewire core with linear electrical connections formed thereon. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0073] In the present disclosure, a conductive trace is formed on a guidewire core, and multiple electrical connection portions are provided on both longitudinal ends of the conductive trace. The multiple electrical connection portions are arranged on a straight line relative to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire core. "Multiple electrical connection portions arranged on a straight line" does not necessarily mean that the multiple electrical connection portions are arranged exactly side by side on a single straight line, but also means that the multiple electrical connection portions are arranged along substantially the same straight line. "Multiple electrical connection portions arranged along substantially the same straight line" includes, for example, a case where the multiple electrical connection portions are arranged along a single direction within a predetermined rectangular range.

[0074] The present disclosure provides a method for electrically connecting a plurality of conductive traces to at least one sensor disposed on the guidewire via a plurality of electrical connections. The sensor measures parameters, such as pressure, temperature, or flow rate, of a body tissue through which the guidewire is inserted. The sensor measures these or other parameters physically or chemically. The sensor outputs a signal via the conductive traces to a measurement device external to the guidewire.

[0075] In this disclosure, a guidewire will be described as an example of a long medical device. However, the present disclosure is not limited to guidewires and can also be applied to catheters. For example, the present disclosure can also be applied to balloon catheters, microcatheters, cardiac catheters, pulmonary artery catheters, angiographic catheters, urinary catheters, and digestive catheters.

[0076] It should be noted that the present disclosure includes various modifications in addition to the embodiments described below. Part of the configuration described in one embodiment may be replaced with the configuration described in another embodiment. The configuration of one embodiment may be added to the configuration of another embodiment.

[0077] FIG. 1 shows the entire guidewire 10 with a sensor 52 attached to a conductive trace. FIG. 2 is a front view of a guidewire core 20 with a sensor 52 attached. The guidewire 10 includes, for example, a guidewire core 20 and a sensor assembly 50 provided on the distal end side of the guidewire core 20. In the present disclosure, the base end side of the guidewire 10 may be referred to as the proximal end side or hand side, and the distal end side of the guidewire 10 may be referred to as the distal end side. The guidewire core 20 is formed by assembling coil bodies 41 and 42 and each ring electrode 31 to the guidewire core 20 shown in FIG. 2. The coil bodies 41 and 42 are fixed to the thin-diameter portion 202 of the guidewire core 20 using a fixing material. The distal tip 43 located at the distal end of the guidewire core 20 is formed into a substantially hemispherical shape by a fixing member that fixes the distal end of the thin-diameter portion 202 of the guidewire core 20 to the distal end of the coil body 42. The fixing material may be, for example, a brazing material or an adhesive.

[0078] The guidewire core 20 is made of, for example, nitinol or stainless steel. The guidewire core 20 includes a large diameter portion 201 on the proximal side, a small diameter portion 202 located on the distal side of the large diameter portion 201, and a tapered portion 203 located between the large diameter portion 201 and the small diameter portion 202. As shown in FIG. 2, a sensor mounting portion 2021 is formed on the distal end side of the small diameter portion 202. An external connection portion 204 is formed on the proximal end side of the large diameter portion 201. The external connection portion 204 is provided with a plurality of ring electrodes 31, which are an example of a conductive band 30. The conductive band 30 will be described later. The ring electrodes 31 are components for electrically connecting the guidewire 10 to an external circuit (not shown).

[0079] The tapered portion 203 is formed so that its diameter gradually decreases to smoothly connect the distal end of the large-diameter portion 201 to the proximal end of the small-diameter portion 202. A plurality of coil bodies 41, 42 are provided on the outside of the small-diameter portion 202. The sensor assembly 50 is disposed between the coil body 41 on the proximal end side and the coil body 42 on the distal end side. The coil bodies 41, 42 are formed from, for example, stainless steel, platinum (Pt), a platinum-iridium alloy (Pt / Ir), or the like. As described below, the guidewire core 20 may include a single coil body. Other arrangement examples of the sensor assembly 50 will be described later.

[0080] As will be described later, a plurality of conductive traces 22 are formed on the outside of the guidewire core 20, spaced apart in a lateral direction (SD direction in FIG. 1 ), from the sensor mounting portion 2021 to the external connection portion 204. The plurality of conductive traces 22 are provided with a plurality of electrical connection portions 24, which will be described later in FIG. 3 , in both the sensor mounting portion 2021 and the external connection portion 204. The lateral direction of the guidewire core 20 is, for example, the circumferential direction of the guidewire core 20, as shown as the SD direction in FIG. 1 . The cross section of the guidewire core 20 is not limited to a circular shape, and may also be an elliptical shape or a polygonal shape. The lateral direction is referred to to make it clear that the cross-sectional shape of the guidewire core 20 is not limited to a circular shape.

[0081] The "longitudinal direction of the guidewire core 20" means, for example, the direction of the central axis O1-O1 of the guidewire core 20 shown in FIG. 1. The central axis of the guidewire 10 and the central axis of the guidewire core 20 substantially coincide with each other. Therefore, the longitudinal direction of the guidewire core 20 and the longitudinal direction of the guidewire 10 are substantially the same. A longitudinal cross-sectional view is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal direction of the guidewire 10.

[0082] 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the state in which the conductive trace and the conductive band are electrically connected. The structure of FIG. 3 can be applied to either the distal end or the proximal end of the guidewire 10. The structure shown in FIG. 3 may be provided on both the distal end and the proximal end of the guidewire 10.

[0083] A first insulating layer 21 is provided on the surface of the guidewire core 20. A plurality of conductive traces 22 are formed on the surface of the first insulating layer 21, spaced apart in the lateral direction of the guidewire core 20. Gaps 28, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 6, are formed between adjacent conductive traces 22. The gaps 28 are formed, for example, by etching the conductive layer formed on the surface of the first insulating layer 21 into a predetermined shape using a laser beam or the like. Gaps 28 having a desired width can be formed by controlling the output and / or scanning trajectory of the laser beam. The gaps 28 are typically filled with an insulating material. The gaps 28 can also be referred to as insulating spacing segments.

[0084] Each conductive trace 22 has a plurality of electrical connections 24 at either or both of its distal and proximal ends. The electrical connections 24 at the distal end of each conductive trace 22 are for electrical connection to the sensor 52 via the printed wiring board 60. The electrical connections 24 at the proximal end of each conductive trace 22 are for electrical connection to an external device (not shown), such as a measuring device. Each electrical connection 24 includes an inner opening 231 and a conductive connecting member 25. The inner opening 231 is an opening formed in the second insulating layer 23 so as to reach the conductive trace 22. The conductive connecting member 25 electrically connects the conductive band 30, which is provided so as to cover at least a portion of the inner opening 231, to the conductive trace 22. The conductive connecting member 25 is provided within the inner opening 231. In the example described below, the conductive connecting member 25 is provided in the inner opening 231 and an outer opening 301, which will be described in FIG. 10 .

[0085] As will be described later in FIG. 26 , when a second conductive trace 26 is provided outside the conductive trace 22 with a second insulating layer 23 sandwiched therebetween, a predetermined location of a third insulating layer 27 covering the second conductive trace 26 is opened to form an electrical connection 24. In this case, a second inner opening 271 is formed at a predetermined location of the third insulating layer 27, as will be described later in FIG. 21 . Of the electrical connection 24M, the electrical connection 24M connected to the first conductive trace 22 is electrically connected to the first conductive trace 22 via a conductive connecting member 25 provided in both the first inner opening 231 and the second inner opening 271. The electrical connection can also be referred to as an opening formed at a predetermined location in an insulating layer for electrical connection, i.e., a via hole.

[0086] The conductive bands 30 are formed from a conductive material in a cylindrical, annular, or C-shape. The conductive bands 30 may be formed in the same shape, or at least one of the conductive bands 30 may have a width dimension different from that of the other conductive bands. At least one of the conductive bands 30 may have a thickness dimension different from that of the other conductive bands 30.

[0087] The conductive bands 30 are provided on the surface of the second insulating layer 23 in correspondence with the respective electrical connection portions 24. Each conductive band 30 is provided so as to cover at least a portion of the inner opening 231 of the corresponding electrical connection portion 24. Each conductive band 30 and the corresponding electrical connection portion 24 are electrically connected by a conductive connecting member 25.

[0088] 3 shows an example in which a predetermined region on the inner circumferential surface of the conductive band 30 and the electrical connection portion 24 are electrically connected by the conductive connecting member 25. That is, the conductive band 30 and the conductive connecting member 25 are connected in a planar manner. To be precise, the conductive band 30 and the conductive connecting member 25 are connected in a curved manner.

[0089] The conductive band 30 and the conductive connecting member 25 may be formed from different conductive materials or from the same conductive material. The conductive band 30 and the conductive connecting member 25 may be formed as separate members or may be formed as an integrated unit. Examples of conductive materials include conductive metal materials such as copper, silver, and gold, and conductive polymers. Examples of conductive polymers include, but are not limited to, polypyrrole, polythiophene, polyacetylene, and polyaniline.

[0090] The guidewire core 20 can be formed from a conductive material. If the guidewire core 20 is formed from a conductive material such as stainless steel, the guidewire core 20 itself can be used as a ground electrode. A highly conductive metal layer (not shown) may be formed on the surface of the guidewire core 20. The highly conductive metal layer is not limited to metals such as copper, gold, and silver. The highly conductive metal layer may also be formed from a conductive polymer. By forming a highly conductive metal layer 29 on the surface of the guidewire core 20, a return path can be ensured when the guidewire core 20 is used as a ground layer (GND). The guidewire core 20 can also be used alone as a ground electrode.

[0091] If the guidewire core 20 is not used as an electrical ground, any one of the conductive traces 22 can be used as an electrical ground. The guidewire core 20 and any one of the conductive traces 22 can also be used as an electrical ground.

[0092] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the direction of arrows IV-IV in FIG. 3 . FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the direction of arrows VV in FIG. 3 . As described above, a first insulating layer 21 is formed around the entire surface of the guidewire core 20. A plurality of conductive traces 22 are formed on the surface of the first insulating layer 21, spaced apart in the lateral direction of the guidewire core 20. A second insulating layer 23 is formed so as to cover both the first insulating layer 21 and the plurality of conductive traces 22. The first insulating layer 21, the conductive traces 22, and the second insulating layer 23 are formed by a build-up method. The first insulating layer 21 and the second insulating layer 23 can be made of materials suited to the properties required of the guidewire 10. The properties required for these insulating layers 21, 23 include, for example, electrical insulation, core adhesion, dielectric properties (low ε), heat resistance, sterilization resistance, scratch resistance, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, good slip resistance, waterproof and moisture resistance, rust prevention, and adhesion to hydrophilic coating agents (hyaluronic acid, silicone, etc.).

[0093] The properties of the first insulating layer 21 and the second insulating layer 23 may also be different. In one example, the first insulating layer 21 may be formed from a material with a smaller dielectric constant than the second insulating layer 23. By reducing the dielectric constant of the first insulating layer 21, the parasitic capacitance between the conductive traces 22 and the guidewire core 20 can be reduced. That is, when the guidewire core 20 is used as an electrical wiring together with the conductive traces 22, the mutual capacitance between the conductive traces 22 and the guidewire core 20 tends to be much larger than the mutual capacitance between the conductive traces themselves. To suppress this increase in mutual capacitance, it is effective to use a dielectric material with a lower dielectric constant for the first insulating layer 21 sandwiched between the conductive traces 22 and the guidewire core 20. In another example, the first insulating layer 21 may be formed from a material that adheres more closely to the surface of the guidewire core 20 than the second insulating layer 23. In yet another example, the second insulating layer 23 may be formed from a material that is more moisture-resistant than the first insulating layer 21.

[0094] Examples of materials that can be used for the first insulating layer 21 and / or the second insulating layer 23 include epoxy resin, glass epoxy resin, bismaleimide triazine resin, BCB, polyimide, polyamide, polyamideimide, polyurethane, LCP (liquid crystal polymer), PE (polyethylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PFA (perfluoroalkoxy fluororesin), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), ETFE (copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (C2F4) and ethylene (C2H4)), PEEK (polyether ether ketone), parylene resin, solder resist, etc.

[0095] As one example, the first insulating layer 21 may be formed from polyimide, and the second insulating layer 23 may be formed from polyimide (filler-containing reinforced grade). As another example, the first insulating layer 21 may be formed from LCP, and the second insulating layer 23 may be formed from polyimide. As yet another example, the first insulating layer 21 may be formed from LCP, and the second insulating layer 23 may be formed from PEEK. As yet another example, the first insulating layer 21 may be formed from polyimide, and the second insulating layer 23 may be formed from PTFE. As another example, the first insulating layer 21 may be formed from polyimide, and the second insulating layer 23 may be formed from parylene.

[0096] The width and thickness of each conductive trace 22 can be set according to the intended use of that conductive trace 22. The width and thickness of each conductive band 30 can be set according to the intended use of that conductive band 30.

[0097] FIG. 6 is a top view of one longitudinal end of the guidewire 10A, illustrating the relative positions of the conductive traces 22, the electrical connections 24, and the conductive bands 30. While FIG. 6 illustrates two conductive traces 22(1) and 22(2), the number of conductive traces 22 is not limited to two. The guidewire 10A may also include three or more conductive traces 22. The arrangement illustrated in FIG. 6 is applicable to both longitudinal ends of the guidewire 10A, i.e., at least one of the distal and proximal ends of the guidewire. Here, the configuration at the distal end of the guidewire 10A is described. That is, the right side of FIG. 6 is the distal end of the guidewire 10A. To distinguish the multiple conductive traces 22, the multiple electrical connections 24, and the multiple conductive bands 30, parenthesized numbers (1) and (2) are added to the reference numerals indicating these configurations.

[0098] An end 221(1) of one conductive trace 22(1) is formed in a straight line (rectangular shape) extending toward the distal end of the guidewire core 20. An end 221(2) of the other conductive trace 22(2) extends further toward the distal end of the guidewire core 20 than the end 221(1) of the conductive trace 22(1) and is bent at approximately 90 degrees toward the conductive trace 22(1). As a result, the distal end side of the conductive trace 22(2) is formed in a substantially L-shape overall.

[0099] The trace width TW11 of the conductive trace 22(1) and the trace width TW12 (trace width TW12 in the longitudinal direction) of the conductive trace 22(2) other than the end 221(2) are set to be substantially the same (TW11 = TW12). The trace width TW2 of the end 221(2) of the conductive trace 22(2) can be wider than the trace width TW12 in the longitudinal direction (TW2 > TW12). The end 221(2) having the width TW2 wider than the trace width TW12 in the longitudinal direction can be referred to as, for example, a flag portion. Alternatively, the end 221(2) can be referred to as a large-area portion or a land portion. The terms flag portion, large-area portion, etc., are also used for the other end portions 221.

[0100] The ends 221(1), 221(2) of the multiple conductive traces 22(1), 22(2) are arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guidewire core 20. An electrical connection 24(1) is provided at the end 221(1) of one conductive trace 22(1). An electrical connection 24(2) is provided at the end 221(2) of the other conductive trace 22(2). A line O2 passing through the centers of the multiple electrical connections 24(1), 24(2) is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis O1 of the guidewire core 20. The electrical connections 24(1), 24(2) do not need to be positioned exactly on the straight line O2 and may be slightly offset in the circumferential direction of the guidewire core 20 (the minor axis direction of the guidewire core). In other words, it is sufficient that the electrical connections 24(1), 24(2) are arranged within a predetermined range that takes into account manufacturing tolerances, etc. Alternatively, the center position (center of gravity position) of the electrical connection portion 24(1) provided on one conductive trace 22(1) may be located within the range where the width dimension W1 of the conductive trace 22(1) and the circumferential width dimension W2 of the end portion 221(2) of another conductive trace 22(2) overlap.

[0101] The dimension L1 from the distal end of end 221(1) of conductive trace 22(1) to the proximal end of end 221(2) of conductive trace 22(2) can be larger than the dimension L2 of the gap 28 in the circumferential direction (SD direction) between conductive trace 22(1) and conductive trace 22(2). Dimensions L1 and L2 may be approximately equal, or dimension L1 may be smaller than dimension L2. An example in which three or more electrical connections 24 are arranged on the longitudinal axis O1 of the guidewire core 20 will be described later.

[0102] The electrical connection portions 24(1) and 24(2) are provided with conductive bands 30(1) and 30(2), respectively. The electrical connection portion 24(1) electrically connects the conductive trace 22(1) and the conductive band 30(1) via a conductive connecting member 25 (not shown in FIG. 6). The electrical connection portion 24(2) electrically connects the conductive trace 22(2) and the conductive band 30(2) via a conductive connecting member 25 (also not shown in FIG. 6).

[0103] Fig. 7 is a modification of Fig. 5. The conductive band 30A of the guidewire 10AA may be formed to have a C-shaped cross section with a gap 30A1 in the circumferential direction. For example, the conductive band 30A having a C-shaped cross section can be attached to the guidewire core 20 by covering the second insulating layer 23 from the outside and crimping it.

[0104] 8A to 8C and 9 illustrate several relationships between the conductive traces 22, the electrical connections 24, and the conductive bands 30. FIGS. 8A to 8C and 9 are planar views of the circumferential surface of the guidewire, showing the relative positions of the conductive traces 22, the electrical connections 24, and the like. In FIGS. 8A to 8C and 9, parenthesized numbers are used to distinguish the conductive traces 22 and the electrical connections 24. In FIGS. 8A to 8C and 9, the guidewire core 20 and insulating layers 21 and 23 are omitted, and the arrangement of the conductive traces 22, the electrical connections 24, and the conductive bands 30 is shown schematically. In the following drawings, the capital letters used for the guidewire reference numerals are also used for the conductive traces 22, the electrical connections 24, and the like to distinguish them from the configurations described in other embodiments.

[0105] 8A shows three conductive traces 22B(1) to 22B(3) as an example of multiple conductive traces. The conductive trace 22B(2) located in the center of the figure is formed in a straight line and does not have a flag portion. In contrast, the conductive traces 22B(1) and 22B(3) are arranged spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the guidewire core 20 so as to sandwich the conductive trace 22B(2). At the distal end side of each of the conductive traces 22B(1) to 22B(3), flag portions 221B(1) and 221B(3) are formed, extending on the straight line O2 where the end of the conductive trace 22B(2) is located. No flag portion is formed at the proximal end side of each of the conductive traces 22B(1) to 22B(3).

[0106] The upper conductive trace 22B(1) in the figure has an electrical connection 24B(1) at its distal end 221B(1) and an electrical connection 24B(4) at its proximal end. The center conductive trace 22B(2) in the figure has an electrical connection 24B(2) at its distal end and an electrical connection 24B(5) at its proximal end. The lower conductive trace 22B(3) in the figure has an electrical connection 24B(3) at its distal end 221B(3) and an electrical connection 24B(6) at its proximal end.

[0107] A conductive band 30B is provided on each of the electrical connection portions 24B(1) to 24B(6). As a result, the conductive traces 22B(1) to 22B(6) are electrically connected to the corresponding conductive band 30B via the electrical connection portions 24B(1) to 24B(6). The distal ends of the conductive traces 22B(1) to 22B(6) are electrically connected to the sensor 52 (not shown) via the conductive band 30B. The proximal ends of the conductive traces 22B(1) to 22B(6) are electrically connected to an external device (not shown) via the conductive band 30B. This description also applies to the examples shown in FIGS. 8B, 8C, and 9.

[0108] 8A, the plurality of electrical connection portions 24B(1) to 24B(3) on the distal end side are arranged on a line O3 parallel to a longitudinal axis O1 (not shown) of the guidewire core 20 (not shown). The plurality of electrical connection portions 24B(4) to 24B(6) on the proximal end side are arranged along the SD direction (which may also be referred to as the lateral direction SD), which is the circumferential direction of the guidewire core 20. In this manner, only the distal end side electrical connection portions 24B(1) to 24B(3) of the plurality of first conductive traces 22B(1) to 22B(3) may be arranged along the straight line O3.

[0109] The guidewire 10C shown in FIG. 8B has three conductive traces 22C(1) to 22C(3) as an example of multiple conductive traces. The conductive trace 22C(2) located in the center of the drawing is formed straight and does not have a flag portion. The conductive traces 22C(1) and 22C(3) are arranged circumferentially spaced apart from each other around the guidewire core 20 so as to sandwich the conductive trace 22C(2). The conductive traces 22C(1) and 22C(3) are formed at their proximal and distal ends with flag portions 221C(1) and 221C(3) that extend along the straight line O4 on which the end of the conductive trace 22C(2) is located. That is, the conductive traces 22C(1) and 22C(3) are formed at their proximal and distal ends with flag portions 221C(1) and 221C(3) that bend at right angles and extend toward the central conductive trace 22C(2). When the conductive trace 22C(2) is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis O1 of the guidewire core 20, the straight line O4 connecting the centers of both longitudinal ends of the conductive trace 22C(2) is a line that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis O1 of the guidewire core 20.

[0110] Conductive trace 22C(1) has electrical connection 24C(1) at distal end 221C(1) and electrical connection 24C(4) at proximal end. Conductive trace 22C(2) has electrical connection 24C(2) at distal end and electrical connection 24C(5) at proximal end. Conductive trace 22C(3) has electrical connection 24C(3) at distal end 221C(3) and electrical connection 24C(6) at proximal end 221C(6).

[0111] In the guidewire 10C shown in FIG. 8B, the multiple electrical connection portions 24C(1) to 24C(3) located on the distal end side and the multiple electrical connection portions 24C(4) to 24C(6) located on the proximal end side are arranged on a straight line O4 that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis O1 of the guidewire core 20.

[0112] The guidewire 10D shown in FIG. 8C also has three conductive traces 22D(1) to 22D(3) as an example of multiple conductive traces. The conductive trace 22D(2) is formed linearly and does not have a flag portion. The conductive traces 22D(1) and 22D(3) are arranged circumferentially of the guidewire core 20 and spaced apart from each other, sandwiching the conductive trace 22D(2). The distal ends of the conductive traces 22D(1) and 22D(3) are formed with flag portions 221D(1) and 221D(3) that extend along the line O5 on which the end of the conductive trace 22D(2) is located. The proximal ends of the conductive traces 22D(1) and 22D(3) are formed with flag portions 221D(4) and 221D(6) that extend along the line O5 on which the end of the conductive trace 22D(2) is located. The line O5 connects the centers of both longitudinal ends of the conductive trace 22D(2) that is located in the circumferential center of the guidewire 10D. If conductive trace 22D(2) is disposed parallel to longitudinal axis O1 of guidewire core 20, then straight line O5 will be a line substantially parallel to axis O1.

[0113] Comparing the guidewire 10D shown in FIG. 8C with the guidewire 10C described in FIG. 8B, the length dimensions of conductive traces 22D(1) and 22D(3) are different from the length dimensions of conductive traces 22C(1) and 22C(3). In the example of FIG. 8B, both ends 221C(3) and 221C(6) of conductive trace 22C(3) are positioned further outward in the longitudinal direction of the guidewire core 20 than both ends 221C(1) and 221C(4) of conductive trace 22C(1). In other words, the length dimension of conductive trace 22C(3) is greater than the length dimension of conductive trace 22C(1). In contrast, in the example of FIG. 8C, the length dimensions of conductive trace 22D(1) and conductive trace 22D(3) are substantially the same.

[0114] In the example of FIG. 8B , distal end 221C(3) of conductive trace 22C(3) is located at the most distal end in the longitudinal direction of the guidewire core, and proximal end 221C(6) of conductive trace 22C(3) is located at the proximal end in the longitudinal direction of the guidewire core. Conductive trace 22C(2) is formed with its shortest length. Distal end 221C(1) of conductive trace 22C(1) is located between distal end 221C(3) of conductive trace 22C(3) and the distal end of conductive trace 22C(2). Proximal end 221C(4) of conductive trace 22C(1) is located between proximal end 221C(6) of conductive trace 22C(3) and the proximal end of conductive trace 22C(2).

[0115] In contrast, in the example of FIG. 8C , at the distal end of the guidewire core 20, distal end 221D(3) of conductive trace 22D(3) is located at the most distal end in the longitudinal direction of the guidewire core 20. Distal end 221D(1) of conductive trace 22D(1) is located proximal to distal end 221D(3). The distal end of conductive trace 22D(2) is located proximal to distal end 221D(1). At the proximal end of the guidewire core 20, proximal end 221D(6) of conductive trace 22D(1) is located proximal to the proximal end in the longitudinal direction of the guidewire core 20. Proximal end 221D(4) of conductive trace 22D(3) is located distal to proximal end 221D(6). The proximal end of conductive trace 22D(2) is located distal to proximal end 221D(4).

[0116] 8C, a wire pair for differential signaling can be obtained by making the length dimension (wire length) of conductive trace 22D(1) and the length dimension (wire length) of conductive trace 22D(3) substantially equal. Examples of equal-length wire pairs will be described further below.

[0117] As shown in Fig. 9, the distal ends of conductive traces 22E(1)-22E(3) may be bent at an angle other than a right angle. In guidewire 10E of Fig. 9, the distal ends of conductive traces 22E(1), 22E(2) spaced apart from line O6 in the circumferential direction (SD direction) extend obliquely toward line O6 so that electrical connections 24E(1)-24E(3) at the distal ends of each conductive trace 22E(1)-22E(3) are positioned on line O6 that is substantially parallel to longitudinal axis O1 of guidewire core 20 (not shown).

[0118] Conductive trace 22E(3) is located on line O6 and has a linear (rectangular) shape. An electrical connection portion 24E(3) is provided on the distal end side of conductive trace 22E(3), and an electrical connection portion 24E(6) is provided on the proximal end side of conductive trace 22E(3).

[0119] Conductive trace 22E(2) is formed to be spaced apart from conductive trace 22E(3) in the circumferential direction of guidewire core 20. The distal end side of conductive trace 22E(2) extends further toward the distal end side of guidewire core 20 than the distal end of conductive trace 22E(3) to a position where it intersects with line O6. An electrical connection portion 24E(2) is provided on the distal end side of conductive trace 22E(2), and an electrical connection portion 24E(5) is provided on the proximal end side of conductive trace 22E(2).

[0120] The conductive trace 22E(1) is formed to be spaced apart from the conductive trace 22E(2) in the circumferential direction of the guidewire core 20. The distal end of the conductive trace 22E(1) extends further toward the distal end of the guidewire core 20 than the distal end of the conductive trace 22E(2), to a position where it intersects with the line O6. An electrical connection portion 24E(1) is provided on the distal end of the conductive trace 22E(1). An electrical connection portion 24E(4) is provided on the proximal end of the conductive trace 22E(1).

[0121] Each of the electrical connection portions 24E(1) to 24E(6) is provided with a conductive band 30E. Each of the conductive traces 22E(1) to 22E(6) is electrically connected to the corresponding conductive band 30E by a conductive connection member 25 (not shown) provided on the corresponding electrical connection portion 24E(1) to 24E(6).

[0122] Fig. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which a plurality of electrical connection portions 24F are electrically connected to a plurality of conductive bands 30F. Fig. 10 shows the proximal end side of the guidewire 10F (the proximal end side of the guidewire core 20).

[0123] The conductive band 30F is formed in a cylindrical, annular, or substantially C-shape. In the following description, the width direction of the conductive band refers to the direction along the longitudinal axis O1 of the guidewire core when the conductive band is attached to the guidewire core. Therefore, the two widthwise ends of the conductive band 30F refer to the end on the proximal end side of the guidewire core 20 and the end on the distal end side of the guidewire core 20.

[0124] An outer opening 301F is formed at the distal end of both widthwise ends (lengthwise direction of the guidewire) of the conductive band 30F. The outer opening 301F is formed by cutting out a rectangular portion of the distal end of both widthwise ends of the conductive band 30F. The outer opening 301F is formed in a rectangular shape with an open distal end. The outer opening 301F can also be called a cutout portion 301F.

[0125] The conductive band 30F is attached to the guidewire core 20 such that the outer opening 301F partially overlaps the first inner opening 231F opened in the second insulating layer 23 (not shown). A conductive connecting member 25F such as solder is filled from the outer opening 301F into the inner opening 231F, thereby electrically and mechanically connecting the conductive band 30F and the conductive trace 22 (not shown in FIG. 10 ). That is, the conductive connecting member 25F provided inside the outer opening 301F and the first inner opening 231F adheres or fixes the conductive band 30F to the conductive trace 22 and electrically connects it to the conductive trace 22.

[0126] The manner in which the conductive band 30F shown in FIG. 10 is attached to the guidewire core 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A to 11D.

[0127] 11A is a plan view of the guidewire core 20. A rectangular first inner opening 231F is formed at a predetermined position in the second insulating layer 23. The first inner opening 231F is formed in a square cylindrical shape so as to reach the surface of the first conductive trace 22, and therefore a portion of the conductive trace 22 is exposed within the first inner opening 231F.

[0128] 11B is a plan view of one conductive band 30F. As described above, the distal end of each of the widthwise ends of conductive band 30F is cut into a rectangular shape to form outer opening 301F.

[0129] Fig. 11C shows the conductive band 30F shown in Fig. 11B attached to the guidewire core 20 shown in Fig. 11A. The conductive band 30F is attached to the outside of the guidewire core 20 so that the outer opening 301F overlaps with the proximal end side of the first inner opening 231F. The outer opening 301F can be attached to the guidewire core 20 so that it overlaps with, for example, approximately half the area of ​​the first inner opening 231F.

[0130] 11D shows a state in which the conductive band 30F and the conductive trace 22 are electrically and mechanically connected by injecting a conductive connecting member 25F, such as solder, into the inside of the outer opening 301F and the inside of the first inner opening 231F. When the conductive band 30F is made of a metal material and the conductive connecting member 25F is made of a metal material such as solder, the bonding area between the metal forming the conductive band 30F and the metal forming the conductive connecting member 25F can be increased. This improves the reliability of the electrical and mechanical connection between the conductive band 30F and the conductive trace 22.

[0131] 12, the opening dimension L5 of the outer opening 301FF of the conductive band 30FF can be set slightly smaller than the opening dimension L6 of the first inner opening 231FF. The opening dimensions L5 and L6 are the lengths of the openings 301FF and 231FF in the circumferential direction (SD direction). The outer opening 301FF can be attached to the guidewire core 20 so as to overlap with approximately half or more of the area of ​​the first inner opening 231FF.

[0132] 13, outer openings 301G, each having one open side in the axial direction O1, are formed on both widthwise ends of a conductive band 30G. The first inner opening 231G is formed to be longer than the width dimension L7 of the conductive band 30G. The conductive band 30G is attached to the guidewire core 20 so as to be positioned approximately in the center of the first inner opening 231G. A conductive connecting member 25 (not shown), such as solder, is filled from the inside of the outer openings 301G on both widthwise ends of the conductive band 30G toward the inside of the first inner opening 231G.

[0133] 11 or 12, the example shown in Fig. 13 can increase the contact area between the conductive band 30G and the conductive connecting member 25. Therefore, in the guidewire 10G shown in Fig. 13, when the conductive band 30G and the conductive connecting member 25 are both made of a conductive metal material, the reliability of the electrical and mechanical connection between the conductive band 30G and the conductive trace 22 can be further improved.

[0134] 14, outer openings 301H, which are notched in a generally trapezoidal shape, are formed on both sides in the width direction of a conductive band 30H. The first inner opening 231H is formed to be longer than the width dimension L8 of the conductive band 30H.

[0135] In plan view, the outer opening 301H is formed in a trapezoidal shape that widens from an opening 3011 at one of both widthwise ends of the conductive band 30H toward a side 3012 that is shifted in the widthwise direction of the conductive band 30H. The outer opening 301H may also be expressed as being formed in an inverse tapered shape. The inverse tapered shape means that the opening width WH gradually increases as the opening progresses from the opening 3011 toward the center of the conductive band 30H in the widthwise direction. Conversely, each outer opening 301H is formed in a tapered shape in which the opening width WH gradually decreases from the side 3012 located closer to the center of the conductive band 30H in the widthwise direction toward the end (opening 3011) of the conductive band 30H.

[0136] Forming the outer openings 301H on both sides of the width of the conductive band 30H improves the reliability of the electrical and mechanical connection between the conductive band 30H and the conductive traces 22, as described in the example of FIG. 13 . Furthermore, the outer openings 301H are formed in an inverted tapered or substantially trapezoidal shape, and thus have sides 3013 inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis O1 of the guidewire core 20. Therefore, in a planar view, the conductive band 30H can have not only a side 3012 perpendicular to the axis O1, but also sides 3013, 3013 intersecting the axis O1 at angles other than 90 degrees. This allows the conductive band 30H to be electrically and mechanically connected to the conductive traces 22 from multiple directions at different angles by the conductive connecting member 25. Therefore, when the guidewire 10H is inserted into and moved through body tissue such as a blood vessel, displacement of the conductive band 30H can be prevented.

[0137] In the guidewire 10J shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the area of ​​the outer opening 301J is larger than the area of ​​the first inner opening 231J. A rectangular outer opening 301J is formed in approximately the center of the conductive band 30J. For example, the center of the outer opening 301J is located approximately at the center of the width direction (axis O1 direction) of the conductive band 30J and approximately at the center of the circumferential direction (SD direction) of the conductive band 30J. However, the outer opening 301J may be located at a position away from the center of the conductive band 30J. Multiple outer openings 301J may be formed in the conductive band 30J.

[0138] Fig. 16 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the example of Fig. 15. The width dimension (dimension in the direction of axis O1) of outer opening 301J is longer than the width dimension of first inner opening 231J. Conductive connecting members 25J such as solder are provided inside outer opening 301J and first inner opening 231J.

[0139] FIG. 17 is a plan view seen from the direction of the arrow in FIG. 16. As described above, the area of ​​the outer opening 301J is larger than the area of ​​the first inner opening 231J. In other words, the outer opening 301J is formed in a rectangular shape larger than the first inner opening 231J. For example, the shape of the outer opening 301J and the shape of the first inner opening 231J are similar. However, cases in which the shape of the outer opening 301J and the shape of the first inner opening 231J are not similar are also within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the aspect ratio of the outer opening 301J and the aspect ratio of the first inner opening 231J may be different. Furthermore, the shape of the outer opening 301J and the shape of the first inner opening 231J may be different. For example, the outer opening 301J may be rectangular and the first inner opening 231J may be triangular, or the outer opening 301J may be elliptical and the first inner opening 231J may be circular. Combinations of shapes other than these are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0140] 18 and 19, the area of ​​the first inner opening 231K is larger than the area of ​​the outer opening 301K. This allows the area over which the conductive connecting member 25K contacts the conductive trace 22 to be larger than that of the example of FIG. 16. This improves the reliability of the electrical and mechanical connection between the conductive band 30K and the conductive trace 22. The outer opening 301K and the first inner opening 231K may have similar shapes or different shapes.

[0141] Figure 19 is a plan view seen from the direction of the arrow in Figure 18. The center of the outer opening 301K and the center of the first inner opening 231K coincide with each other. The outer opening 301K and the first inner opening 231K have similar shapes. However, a configuration in which the center of the outer opening 301K and the center of the first inner opening 231K are misaligned is also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0142] After electrically connecting the conductive band 30K and the conductive traces 22 with solder, conductive paste, or the like, adhesive can be applied or filled into the outer periphery and outer opening 301K of the conductive band 30K to mechanically connect the conductive band 30K to the guidewire core 20. Similarly, in the other examples described above, the conductive band and the conductive traces 22 of the guidewire 20 may be electrically connected by a conductive material, and the conductive band and the guidewire 20 may be mechanically connected by a non-conductive material. Alternatively, as described above, the conductive band and the guidewire core 20 may be electrically and mechanically connected by using a material that is both conductive and adhesive, such as solder.

[0143] 20 is a cross-sectional view of a guidewire 10L showing an example in which an anisotropic conductive material is used as the conductive connecting member. An anisotropic conductive layer 251 made of an anisotropic conductive material is provided between the second insulating layer 23 and the conductive band 30L. The electrical connection portion 24L is composed of a first inner opening 231 and the layer 251 of anisotropic conductive material that penetrates into the first inner opening 231.

[0144] An anisotropic conductive material is applied or attached to the surface of the second insulating layer and the inside of the first inner opening 231, and then the conductive band 30L is placed over the anisotropic conductive material and crimped or thermocompressed to electrically connect the conductive band 30L to the conductive trace 22 and mechanically attach the conductive band 30L to the guidewire core 20. This allows the conductive band 30L to be electrically and mechanically connected to the guidewire core 20 more reliably than when the conductive band 30L and the conductive trace 22 are electrically connected and then adhesive is applied from the outside of the conductive band 30L to fix it.

[0145] Examples of anisotropic conductive materials include ACF (Anisotropic Conductive Film), ACP (Anisotropic Conductive Paste), and ACR (Anisotropic Conductive Rubber). ACF is a sealing resin formed by dispersing conductive particles in a thermosetting epoxy resin. ACP is a paste-like material formed by dispersing conductive particles in a thermosetting epoxy resin.

[0146] When layer 251 is formed from ACF or ACP, an anisotropic conductive path is formed when conductive band 30L is placed over layer 251 and thermocompressed. This conductive path is semi-permanent, and the conductive state remains intact even after conductive band 30L is removed. This ensures reliable adhesion between conductive band 30L and the polyimide that makes up the insulating layer, and increases its strength. On the other hand, ACR conducts only when pressure is applied, and loses conductivity when pressure is removed.

[0147] By providing the anisotropic conductive layer 251 between the conductive band 30L and the insulating layer 23 and conductive trace 22, the conductive band 30L can be electrically and mechanically connected to the insulating layer 23 and conductive trace 22, and the electrical and mechanical connection can be made durable. For example, if the conductive band 30L and the conductive trace 22 are connected using solder or a conductive adhesive, cracks may occur due to external mechanical stress. By forming the electrical connection 24L using a flexible anisotropic conductive layer 251, the electrical connection 24L can be made flexible. Even if a crack temporarily occurs in the electrical connection 24L, the flexible anisotropic conductive layer 251 allows the crack to naturally resolve. Therefore, even when external stress is applied, the electrical connection between the conductive band 30L and the conductive trace 22 can be maintained, improving the reliability of the guidewire 10L.

[0148] Figure 21 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distal end of a guidewire 10M having multiple layers of conductive traces 22, 26. Figure 22 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the proximal end of a guidewire 10M having multiple layers of conductive traces 22, 26.

[0149] In guidewire 10M, multiple conductive trace layers are built up on guidewire core 20. The first conductive trace layer is a conductive layer on which first conductive trace 22 is formed. The second conductive trace layer is a conductive layer on which second conductive trace 26 is formed. Different sensors (not shown) can be connected to each of conductive traces 22 and 26 via different printed wiring boards.

[0150] The surface of the second conductive trace layer is covered with a third insulating layer 27. A second inner opening 271 is formed in a predetermined location of the third insulating layer 27. The electrical connection portion 24M(2) of the second conductive trace layer is composed of the second inner opening 271 and a conductive connecting member 25. The electrical connection portion 24M(1) of the first conductive trace layer is composed of a first inner opening 231, a second inner opening 271, and a conductive connecting member 25. Each electrical connection portion 24M(1), 24M(2) is electrically and mechanically connected to the corresponding conductive band 30 by the conductive connecting member 25. The conductive connecting member 25 may be, for example, solder, a conductive adhesive, ACF, or ACP.

[0151] FIG. 23 shows the distal end of the guidewire 10N before a printed wiring board 60 carrying a sensor 52 is attached to a conductive band 30N formed from a conductive wire 32. The conductive wire 32 is a fine-diameter wire or ribbon made of a conductive metal material such as gold, silver, copper, or a gold alloy. The conductive band 30N is formed by winding the conductive wire 32 around the guidewire core 20 over the insulating layer 23 using a so-called wire bonding method and securing it to the conductive traces 22. That is, the conductive band 30N is obtained by winding the conductive wire 32 around the guidewire core 20 over the insulating layer 23 at the position of the first inner opening 231, and then adhesively securing both ends of the conductive wire 32 to the conductive traces 22 within the first inner opening 231.

[0152] The conductive wire 32 is electrically and mechanically connected to the end 221 (not shown in FIG. 23 ) of the conductive trace 22. The flag-shaped end 221 can be formed, for example, as a metal multilayer film in which gold or a nickel-gold alloy is plated on the surface of a copper-plated conductive trace. The conductive wire 32 can be made of gold, a gold alloy, aluminum, or the like. Because gold or a gold alloy is electrochemically stable, forming the conductive wire 32 from gold or a gold alloy can suppress the movement of ions between adjacent conductive bands 30N.

[0153] The sensor 52 is mounted on the distal end side of the printed wiring board 60. A plurality of pads 611 are provided on the proximal end side of the printed wiring board 60 corresponding to the conductive bands 30N. Each pad 611 is electrically connected to a terminal of the sensor 52 via a wiring pattern (neither of which is shown). The conductive traces 22 and the sensor 52 are electrically connected by fixing each pad 611 to the corresponding conductive band 30N with solder, a conductive adhesive, or the like.

[0154] Fig. 24 shows the distal end side of the guidewire 10P. In Fig. 24, a sensor 52 is attached to the distal end side of the guidewire core 20 using a conductive band 30 and a printed wiring board 60. Fig. 24 is a side view of the guidewire 10P.

[0155] A plurality of conductive traces 22P are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction (SD direction or lateral direction) of the guidewire core 20. An electrical connection portion 24P is formed on each conductive trace 22P. Each conductive trace 22P is electrically connected to the conductive band 30 via the electrical connection portion 24P. The positions of the electrical connection portions 24P are spaced apart in the circumferential direction and the axial O1 direction of the guidewire core 20. Each electrical connection portion 24P is electrically connected to the conductive band 30. Therefore, the printed wiring board 60 can be electrically connected to the electrical connection portion 24P regardless of the position of the electrical connection portion 24P. Pads (not shown in FIG. 24) of the printed wiring board 60 are electrically and mechanically connected to the conductive band 30 via conductive connection members 612 such as solder.

[0156] FIG. 25 shows the sensor portion of the guidewire 10Q, and does not illustrate the configuration on the guidewire core side. The printed wiring board 60Q has a flexible board portion 61 and a rigid board portion 62, and the sensor 52 is mounted on the rigid board portion 62. The printed wiring board 60Q used in the guidewire 10Q includes the flexible board portion 61 located on the proximal end side and the rigid board portion 62 provided on the distal end side of the flexible board portion 61. Pads 611 corresponding to each conductive band 30 (not shown in FIG. 25) are formed on one of both surfaces of the flexible board portion 61 facing the guidewire core 20 (not shown in FIG. 25). The surface facing the guidewire core 20 is the downward surface in FIG. 25. Of the multiple surfaces of the rigid board portion 62, the surface facing the guidewire core 20 is formed with a connection portion 621 to be connected to other conductive bands (neither of which are shown) provided on the small-diameter portion 202 of the guidewire core 20.

[0157] FIG. 26 shows an example in which multiple sensors 52R1 and 52R2 are housed in a rigid board portion 62R. The printed wiring board 60R used in the guidewire 10R includes a flexible board portion 61 and a rigid board portion 62R. Multiple sensor housing portions 622R1 and 622R2 are formed in the rigid board portion 62R. The sensors 52R1 and 52R2 are attached to the sensor housing portions 622R1 and 622R2. The rigid board portion 62R having the sensor housing portions 622R1 and 622R2 functions as a sensor housing. While FIG. 26 shows an example in which multiple sensors 52R1 and 52R2 are housed in the rigid board portion 62R, instead, only one of the sensors 52R1 and 52R2 may be housed in the rigid board portion 62R. Three or more sensors may be housed in the rigid board portion 62R. The rigid substrate portion 62R may house a sensor and electronic components other than the sensor, such as a signal processing circuit and a transmitting / receiving circuit. Each first conductive trace 22R is electrically connected to a corresponding conductive band 30 via an electrical connection portion 24R.

[0158] Fig. 27 shows an example in which conductive bands 30S1 and 30S2 are provided corresponding to the layers of the respective conductive traces 22S and 26S. Fig. 27 shows the distal end side of the guidewire 10S. A plurality of first conductive traces 22S are formed extending toward the distal end side of the guidewire core 20. Each first conductive trace 22S is electrically connected to a first printed wiring board 60S1 via a conductive band 30S1. A first sensor 52S1 is mounted on the first printed wiring board 60S1.

[0159] The second conductive traces 26S, which are provided outside the first conductive traces 22S, are formed so that their tips extend to a position closer to the proximal end than the distal end of the first conductive traces 22S. Each second conductive trace 26S is electrically connected to a second printed wiring board 60S2 via a conductive band 30S2. A second sensor 52S2 is mounted on the second printed wiring board 60S2. In this way, the printed wiring boards can be connected to each other via the conductive band for each layer of conductive traces.

[0160] 28 illustrates an example in which a single printed wiring board 60T1 is connected to multiple layers of conductive traces. The printed wiring board 60T1 is electrically connected to the first conductive trace 22T via a conductive band 30T(1) and is also electrically connected to the second conductive trace 26T via a conductive band 30T(5). Although not shown, the first printed wiring board 60T1 is formed with a wiring pattern connected to the first conductive trace 22T and a wiring pattern connected to the second conductive trace 26T.

[0161] The second printed wiring board 60T2 is electrically connected to the first conductive trace 22T via the conductive band 30T(2), and is also electrically connected to the plurality of second conductive traces 26T via the conductive bands 30T(3) and 30T(4). Although not shown, the second printed wiring board 60T2 is formed with a wiring pattern connected to the first conductive trace 22T and a wiring pattern connected to the second conductive trace 26T.

[0162] 29 shows an example of using a flexible substrate having a flexible substrate portion and a rigid substrate portion when a conductive band is associated with each conductive trace layer. The printed wiring board 60T1 used in the guidewire 10T1 includes a flexible substrate portion 61T and a rigid substrate portion 62T. The flexible substrate portion 61T is electrically connected to a plurality of second conductive traces 26T via conductive bands 30T1(3), 30T1(4), and 30T1(5). The rigid substrate portion 62T is electrically connected to a plurality of first conductive traces 22T via conductive bands 30T1(1) and 30T1(2).

[0163] A plurality of wiring patterns (not shown) are formed inside the rigid substrate portion 62T, and the first conductive trace 22T and the sensor 52T are electrically connected via these wiring patterns. A plurality of wiring patterns (not shown) are also formed on the flexible substrate portion 61T, and the second conductive trace 26T and the sensor 52T are electrically connected via these wiring patterns.

[0164] 30 to 32, examples of the arrangement of conductive traces, electrical connections, and conductive bands (which may be ring electrodes) on the proximal end side of a guidewire will be described. In the guidewire 10U shown in FIG. 30, conductive traces 22U(1) and 22U(3) are arranged to sandwich conductive trace 22U(2), which is located at the center of the circumferential direction (SD direction) of guidewire core 20 (not shown). End 221U(1) of conductive trace 22U(1) and end 221U(3) of conductive trace 22U(3) are bent at approximately right angles toward the circumferential center of guidewire core 20 so as to be located closer to the proximal end of guidewire core 20 than the proximal end of conductive trace 22U(2).

[0165] Each conductive band 30 is attached to the surface of the second insulating layer 23 on the guidewire core so as to cover a portion of the corresponding electrical connection portion 24U. That is, a portion of the first inner opening 231U of each electrical connection portion 24U is exposed and not hidden by the conductive band 30.

[0166] 31, the electrical connection portions 24U1 are arranged side by side on a straight line O7. The straight line O7 is a line parallel to the axis O1 of the longitudinal direction of the guidewire 20. The first inner opening 231U1 of each electrical connection portion 24U1 has both widthwise ends exposed from the conductive band 30. The widthwise direction of the first inner opening 231U1 is the direction of the axis O1.

[0167] The width of the first inner opening 231U1 is set to be longer than the width of the conductive band 30. The conductive band 30 is attached onto a second insulating layer (neither of which is shown) covering the guidewire core 20 so that the center of the conductive band 30 and the center of the first inner opening 231U1 in the width direction are approximately aligned. Therefore, both ends of the first inner opening 231U1 protrude from the conductive band 30. The conductive traces 22U1(1) to 22U1(4) are electrically connected to the conductive band 30 via corresponding electrical connection portions 24U1.

[0168] In the guidewire 10U2 shown in FIG. 32, each conductive band 30 is provided with an electrical connection portion 24U2L, 24U2R on each side in the width direction. The proximal electrical connection portion 24U2L is exposed from the proximal end of both widthwise ends of the conductive band 30. The distal electrical connection portion 24U2R is exposed from the distal end of both widthwise ends of the conductive band 30. That is, each conductive band 30 is attached on a second insulating layer (not shown) covering the guidewire core 20 so that the corresponding electrical connection portion 24U2L, 24U2R partially protrudes. The conductive traces 22U2(1) to 22U2(4) are electrically connected to the conductive band 30 via the corresponding electrical connection portions 24U2L, 24U2R.

[0169] FIG. 33 shows an example of the arrangement of the conductive traces 22V. In the guidewire 10V, multiple first conductive traces 22V(1) to 22V(4) are formed and spaced apart in the circumferential direction (SD direction). The first conductive trace 22V(1) is the shortest, and the first conductive trace 22V(2) is longer than the first conductive trace 22V(1). The first conductive trace 22V(3) is longer than the first conductive trace 22V(2). The first conductive trace 22V(4) is the longest. As shown in FIG. 33, the lengths of the first conductive traces 22V(1) to 22V(4) can be made different from one another. Electrical connection portions 24V are provided on both ends of each of the first conductive traces 22V(1) to 22V(4).

[0170] FIG. 34 illustrates an example in which the plurality of first conductive traces 22V1(1)-22V1(4) includes at least one group of first conductive traces of equal length. The guidewire 10V1 in FIG. 34 includes a first group of first conductive traces 22V1(1) and 22V1(4) and a second group of first conductive traces 22V1(2) and 22V1(3). The first and second groups are groups of conductive traces of equal wiring lengths and may also be referred to as equal-length wiring pairs. A pair of conductive traces of equal wiring lengths can be used, for example, as wiring for differential signals.

[0171] The first conductive traces 22V1(1) and 22V1(4) that make up the first group are a point-symmetric pair. The first conductive traces 22V1(2) and 22V1(3) that make up the second group are also a point-symmetric pair. That is, when one of the first conductive traces that belong to the same group is rotated 180 degrees around its center of gravity, it overlaps with the other first trace that belongs to the same group. Therefore, the lengths of the first conductive traces that belong to the same group are equal.

[0172] Each of the first conductive traces 22V1(1) to 22V1(4) has an electrical connection portion 24V1 at both ends thereof. Each of the first conductive traces 22V1(1) to 22V1(4) is electrically connected to the conductive band 30 via the corresponding electrical connection portion 24V1.

[0173] Fig. 35 shows an example in which at least one of the first conductive traces belonging to the same group has a meandering portion 221V so that it has the same length as the other conductive traces. In guidewire 10V2 of Fig. 35, multiple first conductive traces 22V2(1) to 22V2(4) have the same length and belong to the same group. Electrical connection portions 24V2 are provided on both ends of each of conductive traces 22V2(1) to 22V2(4).

[0174] Both ends of the first conductive trace 22V2(1) are located innermost in the axial O1 direction compared to both ends of the other first conductive traces 22V2(2) to 22V2(4), and both ends of the first conductive trace 22V2(2) are located outward in the axial O1 direction from the first conductive trace 22V2(1). Both ends of the first conductive trace 22V2(3) are located outward in the axial O1 direction from the first conductive trace 22V2(2). Both ends of the first conductive trace 22V2(4) are located outward in the axial O1 direction from the first conductive trace 22V2(3). Therefore, when the middle of each of the conductive traces 22V2(1) to 22V2(4) shown in FIG. 35 is a simple rectangle, this is equivalent to the example described in FIG. 33.

[0175] However, some of the multiple first conductive traces shown in FIG. 35 include meandering portions 221V2. That is, some of the multiple first conductive traces, namely, first conductive traces 22V2(1) to 22V2(3), have meandering portions 221V2(1) to 221V2(3) formed approximately in the middle of their length. The meandering portions 221V2 can also be called meander wiring. The first conductive trace 22V2(4) does not have a meandering portion 221V2 because its both ends are located at the outermost positions in the direction of the axis O1. The other first conductive traces 22V2(1) to 22V2(3), whose both ends are located inside the both ends of the first conductive trace 22V2(4), include the meandering portions 221V2(1) to 221V2(3) so that their lengths are equal to that of the first conductive trace 22V2(4) that does not have a meandering portion.

[0176] The meandering portion 221V2 may be provided in all of the first conductive traces 22V2(1) to 22V2(4) so ​​that all of the first conductive traces 22V2(1) to 22V2(4) have the same length. While the meandering portion 221V2 bends at right angles in FIG. 35, the meandering portion 221V2 may also be formed to bend smoothly.

[0177]

[0232] In the guidewire 10W of Fig. 36, the first conductive trace 22 and the conductive band 30W are connected via a layer 251 of anisotropic conductive material. The anisotropic conductive material is, for example, ACR. Materials other than ACR may also be used. For example, the layer 251 of anisotropic conductive material is provided so as to entirely cover the end portion 221 (flag portion) of the first conductive trace 22, which has a relatively large area.

[0178] 37 to 39, an example will be described in which a layer 251X of anisotropic conductive material is used instead of the electrical connection portion and the conductive band. ACR, for example, is used as the anisotropic conductive material. FIG. 37 shows the proximal end of a guidewire 10X. When using the guidewire 10X, the proximal end of the guidewire 10X is attached to a connector member 100. The connector member 100 is a member for electrically connecting the guidewire 10X to an external device (not shown), such as a measuring device or a control device. The connector member 100 includes a bottom portion 104, a clip portion 101 rotatably attached to the bottom portion 104, a plurality of pressing pins 102 protruding from the inner surface of the clip portion 101, and wiring 103 connected to each pressing pin 102. Each pressing pin 102 is provided corresponding to a conductive trace 22.

[0179] The proximal end of the guidewire 10X is inserted into the connector member 100 so as to abut against the bottom portion 104 of the connector member 100. Thereafter, the clip portion 101 clamps the guidewire 10X, causing the pressing pin 102 provided on the inner surface of the clip portion 101 to press a predetermined location on the anisotropic conductive material layer 251X. When the anisotropic conductive layer 251X is pressed from the radial direction by the pressing pin 102, a conductive path is formed connecting the pressing pin 102 to the conductive trace 22. As a result, a sensor (not shown) on the distal end side of the guidewire 10X and an external device are electrically connected via the conductive trace 22 and the connector member 100.

[0180] Fig. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXXVIII in Fig. 37. A layer 251X of an anisotropic conductive material is provided so as to fill the inside of a first inner opening 231 formed in the second insulating layer 23 corresponding to the end 221 of the first conductive trace 22. Wiring 103 is not shown in Fig. 38.

[0181] FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing an outline of the connector member 100. As shown in FIG.

[0182] We describe multiple approaches for incorporating multiple conductors into a guidewire by constructing multiple conductor traces of various sizes and material compositions on separate insulating layers. The approaches described herein facilitate the assembly of sensors onto guidewire or catheter elements. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where the electrical or mechanical properties of a device need to be modified in specific areas to enhance device performance and reliability (e.g., selective wear resistance), facilitate assembly (e.g., ease of soldering or connection), or in some cases achieve desired electrical properties (e.g., impedance). Incorporating such desired properties into the device requires innovative approaches to form signal lines in tight spaces without affecting the device's primary mechanical performance.

[0183] It is difficult to incorporate conductive elements into a typical 0.014-inch guidewire core without affecting desired mechanical properties, such as trackability and torque response. Using layered manufacturing methods, such as those described in patent application Ser. No. 63 / 090,487 (disclosed herein), it is possible to form conductive elements directly on the core to maintain the basic mechanical performance of the guidewire device. However, incorporating more conductive elements, e.g., four or more, into a core with a typical guidewire diameter of 0.014 inches or less is extremely difficult. It may be beneficial to incorporate more than two types of sensors into a single device, or to incorporate sensors requiring four or more independent communication channels. To achieve this, a layered approach, such as the following, is effective. It should be noted that the present disclosure is applicable to guidewires 10 of other common diameters, not just 0.014-inch guidewire cores 20.

[0184] A typical guidewire core 20 is shown in Figure 40A. It has multiple diameters and tapers, with the distal end of the device typically having a smaller diameter than the rest of the device. The core material is typically stainless steel (SS), nitinol, or a combination thereof.

[0185] As shown in Figure 40B, an insulating layer 21 is formed on the metal core 20. The insulating layer 21 can be formed by various methods, such as dip coating, spray coating, PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition), printing, melt reflow, etc. Polymers include polyimide, PET, nylon, Pebax, etc.

[0186] Next, as shown in Figure 40C, a conductive layer is formed on insulating layer 21. One method is to first apply a seed conductive layer such as palladium or silver, and then apply a layer of a highly conductive metal such as copper or gold using electroless plating or electroplating.

[0187] The conductive layer is then selectively etched to form the individual electrically isolated conductive elements 22. One way to accomplish this is to use a laser to cut the conductor to form the individual traces.

[0188] Substrates that need to incorporate conductive elements often do not have a consistent dimensional profile. For example, the core of a typical coronary guidewire is polished to taper to a smaller outer diameter at the distal end, reducing the device's stiffness and making the distal end more trackable and intact as it traverses the blood vessel. Prior art documents embedding conductive elements such as flat wire ribbons in a polymer insulating layer (US 10791991 B1). This method has the limitation of making it difficult to vary the conductor profile over the entire device length (from 180 cm to 300 cm).

[0189] Furthermore, at the distal end, where electrical connection to the sensor must be made, conductive bands must be formed or laminated in the openings in the insulator to connect to the embedded conductors. Figures 41 through 43 below illustrate this challenge. Because the exposed portions are radially separated, they cannot be connected to the sensor pads, which are typically located on a single plane. This necessitates an additional step of forming conductive bands to connect the sensor to the traces. Figure 42 is a front view from the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 41.

[0190] As is clear from Figures 41 and 42, the openings D1, D2, and D3 are radially spaced apart, so it is not possible to connect the sensor pads S1, S2, and S3 to the embedded conductors C1, C2, and C3 via the exposed portions D1, D2, and D3. Forming conductive bands CB1, CB2, and CB3 in the exposed portions makes it easier to connect the sensors (Figure 43).

[0191] One approach to alleviating these issues is to apply a conductive layer over an insulating layer so that the conductive layer conforms to the contours of the substrate, as shown in Figure 40B. As noted above, the individual conductive traces can be formed, for example, by laser ablation, as shown in Figure 40D. In this method, the ablation pattern can be controlled to form "flags" at the distal and proximal ends, as shown in Figures 44-46.

[0192] Furthermore, this approach allows for trace width to vary along the length of the device. Therefore, trace width can be significantly smaller at the distal end, where the core length is significantly shorter. This method offers greater processing flexibility than other methods that embed conductors in insulating materials. Furthermore, the conductive material itself can be varied at specific locations along its length to impart desired characteristics. For example, the conductive traces could be copper along their entire length with gold plating on both ends to enhance electrical connectivity.

[0193] A second insulating layer is then applied over the electrically isolated conductor, as shown in Figure 47. Insulating polymers include polyimide, PET, nylon, and Pebax. This method allows for different insulating layers to be applied to the first base insulating layer to impart different properties. For example, the insulating layer can be impregnated with nano-sized silica to improve the coating's abrasion resistance.

[0194] Next, as shown in Figure 48, openings are formed in the second insulating layer 23 and the third insulating layer 27 by etching, laser ablation, or other methods to form vias to access the corresponding conductive traces directly underneath the insulating layers. These vias provide connection pads for connecting or coupling the formed conductive elements to the exterior of the guidewire, for example, to one or more sensors at the distal end of the guidewire and to connection terminals at the proximal end.

[0195] As can be seen, all of the vias or exposed surfaces on the external insulator to access the formed conductive elements are all on one longitudinal axis, unlike Figure 41, and therefore can be easily connected to the sensor pads either directly or through flex circuit elements. (Appendix 1) A guidewire core; a first insulating layer provided on the surface of the guidewire core; a plurality of first conductive traces spaced apart laterally about the guidewire core and disposed on the surface of the first insulating layer and along the length of the guidewire core, each of the plurality of first conductive traces having a distal end and a proximal end; a plurality of connection portions provided on at least one of both ends in the length direction of the plurality of first conductive traces, the connection portions being electrically connected to an electronic component; the ends of the first conductive traces on which the plurality of connection portions are provided are arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the guidewire core; the plurality of connecting portions are arranged on a straight line parallel to an axis of the guidewire core in the longitudinal direction; Between a proximal-most one of the distal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces and a proximal-most one of the proximal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces, the plurality of first conductive traces are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire core. Guide wire. (Appendix 2) a second insulating layer covering the plurality of first conductive traces and the first insulating layer; The plurality of connecting portions include inner openings formed in the second insulating layer to reach corresponding first conductive traces. 10. A guidewire as described in Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) The end of the at least one conductive trace is formed to extend in the circumferential direction of the guidewire core so as to be located further ahead in the longitudinal direction of the guidewire core than the end of the adjacent conductive trace, with a gap therebetween. 10. A guidewire as described in Appendix 2. (Appendix 4) A conductive band made of a conductive material is arranged so as to cover at least a part of the inner opening of the connection portion, a conductive connecting member is arranged in the inner opening, the connection portion and the conductive band are electrically connected via the conductive connecting member, and the conductive band and the conductive connecting member are made of different conductive materials. 10. A guidewire as described in Appendix 2. (Appendix 5) the plurality of conductive bands each have an outer opening that penetrates the conductive band in a thickness direction and is arranged to overlap the inner opening; The conductive connection member that electrically connects the conductive band and the connection portion is provided inside the outer opening. 10. A guidewire as described in Appendix 4. (Appendix 6) The outer opening and the inner opening are arranged to overlap with each other and offset in the longitudinal direction of the guidewire core. 6. The guidewire of claim 5. (Appendix 7) The area of ​​the inner opening is larger than the area of ​​the outer opening. 10. The guidewire of claim 6. (Appendix 8) The outer opening is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view. 8. The guidewire of claim 7. (Appendix 9) The outer opening is formed in a notch shape in a plan view such that at least one end side of the conductive band is open. 6. The guidewire of claim 5. (Appendix 10) The outer opening is formed in a reverse tapered shape that widens from a location where it opens at one of both ends in the width direction of the conductive band toward a side that is displaced in the width direction of the conductive band in a plan view. 6. The guidewire of claim 5. (Appendix 11) The plurality of connection portions are provided on the proximal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces in the longitudinal direction. 6. The guidewire of claim 5. (Appendix 12) The outer openings are formed on both ends of the conductive band in the width direction. 10. The guidewire of claim 8. (Appendix 13) The conductive band and the conductive connecting member are made of a conductive material. 6. The guidewire of claim 5. (Appendix 14) The conductive connecting member is made of an anisotropic conductive material that forms a conductive path in the thickness direction of the conductive band when pressure is applied from the thickness direction of the conductive band, and is more elastically deformable than solder. 6. The guidewire of claim 5. (Appendix 15) The conductive band is a conductive connecting member made of an anisotropic conductive material provided so as to fill the outer opening and the inner opening and to cover the second insulating layer; a C-shaped member provided on the outside of the conductive connection member, the C-shaped member being made of a conductive material; 6. The guidewire of claim 5. (Appendix 16) a conductive band made of a conductive material is disposed so as to cover at least a portion of the inner opening of the connection portion, and the connection portion and the conductive band are electrically connected to each other via a conductive connecting member disposed in the inner opening, The conductive band and the conductive connecting member are integrally formed. 10. A guidewire as described in Appendix 2. (Appendix 17) a conductive wire wound around the outer circumferential surface of the second insulating layer, and both ends of the conductive wire are fixed to the first conductive trace through the inner opening; 10. A guidewire as described in Appendix 2. (Appendix 18) a metal layer of gold or a gold alloy and a barrier metal layer for preventing diffusion into the metal layer and the conductive trace are formed in a region of the first conductive trace to which one end of the conductive wire is fixed; The conductive wires are made of gold, a gold alloy, or aluminum. 18. The guidewire of claim 17. (Appendix 19) The plurality of connection portions are provided on the distal end side of each of the plurality of first conductive traces in the length direction. 18. The guidewire of claim 17. (Appendix 20) moreover, a plurality of second conductive traces disposed on a surface of the second insulating layer; a third insulating layer overlying the plurality of second conductive traces and the second insulating layer; a plurality of second connection portions arranged on a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire core at at least one of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of second conductive traces, the second connection portions being electrically connected to electronic components, the plurality of second connection portions comprising second inner openings opened in the third insulating layer to reach corresponding second conductive traces; a second conductive band formed in the circumferential direction of the guidewire core so as to cover at least one of the plurality of second connection portions, The second connection portion covered with the second conductive band and the second conductive band are electrically connected via a conductive connecting member provided in the second inner opening. 10. A guidewire as described in Appendix 2. (Appendix 21) the plurality of connection portions are provided at distal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces in a longitudinal direction, a conductive band made of a conductive material is disposed so as to cover at least a portion of the inner opening, and the connection portion and the conductive band are electrically connected via a conductive connecting member disposed within the inner opening; The conductive band is electrically connected to a printed wiring board on which the electronic component is mounted via a conductive connecting member for the board. 10. A guidewire as described in Appendix 2. (Appendix 22) the printed wiring board has a flexible substrate portion located on the conductive band side and a rigid substrate portion located on the distal end side of the flexible substrate portion, The electronic components are provided on the rigid substrate. 22. The guidewire of claim 21. (Appendix 23) The rigid substrate portion has a receiving portion for receiving and attaching the electronic component, and the rigid substrate portion is disposed on the distal end side of the guidewire core. 23. The guidewire of claim 22. (Appendix 24) The plurality of first conductive traces includes at least one group of a plurality of first conductive traces having equal lengths. 10. The guidewire of claim 1. (Appendix 25) The plurality of first conductive traces constituting the group are formed as point-symmetric pairs. 25. The guidewire of claim 24. (Appendix 26) At least one of the plurality of first conductive traces constituting the group has a meandering portion so as to have the same length as the other first conductive traces of the group. 25. The guidewire of claim 24. (Appendix 27) A guidewire core; a first insulating layer provided on the surface of the guidewire core; a plurality of first conductive traces spaced apart laterally about the guidewire core and disposed on the surface of the first insulating layer and along the length of the guidewire core, each of the plurality of first conductive traces having a distal end and a proximal end; a second insulating layer covering the plurality of first conductive traces and the first insulating layer; a plurality of connection portions provided at least on either end of the plurality of first conductive traces in a longitudinal direction, the connection portions being electrically connected to an electronic component, the plurality of connection portions including inner openings opened in the second insulating layer so as to reach corresponding first conductive traces; a conductive band formed in a circumferential direction so as to cover the plurality of connection portions and the second insulating layer; an outer opening that penetrates the conductive bands in a thickness direction and is arranged to overlap the inner opening; a conductive connection member provided inside the outer opening and inside the inner opening, electrically connecting the conductive band and the connection portion, Between a proximal-most one of the distal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces and a proximal-most one of the proximal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces, the plurality of first conductive traces are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire core. Guide wire. (Appendix 28) The outer opening and the inner opening are arranged to overlap with each other and offset in the longitudinal direction of the guidewire core. 28. The guidewire of claim 27. (Appendix 29) The area of ​​the inner opening is larger than the area of ​​the outer opening. 29. The guidewire of claim 28. (Appendix 30) The outer opening is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view. 28. The guidewire of claim 27. (Appendix 31) The outer opening is formed in a notch shape that is open on the end side of the conductive band in a plan view. 28. The guidewire of claim 27. (Appendix 32) The outer opening is formed in a reverse tapered shape in a plan view, with the width dimension narrower at the end of the conductive band and increasing in width in the width direction of the conductive band. 28. The guidewire of claim 27. (Appendix 33) The outer openings are formed on both ends of the conductive band in the width direction. 29. The guidewire of claim 29. (Appendix 34) The conductive band and the conductive connecting member are made of a conductive metal material. 29. The guidewire of claim 29. (Appendix 35) The conductive connection member is made of an anisotropic conductive material that forms a conductive path in the thickness direction of the conductive band when pressure is applied in the thickness direction of the conductive band. 29. The guidewire of claim 29. (Appendix 36) moreover, a plurality of second conductive traces disposed on a surface of the second insulating layer; a third insulating layer overlying the plurality of second conductive traces and the second insulating layer; a plurality of second connection portions arranged on a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire core at at least one of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of second conductive traces, the second connection portions being electrically connected to electronic components, the plurality of second connection portions comprising second inner openings opened in the third insulating layer to reach corresponding second conductive traces; a second conductive band formed in the circumferential direction of the guidewire core so as to cover at least one of the plurality of second connection portions, The second connection portion covered with the second conductive band and the second conductive band are electrically connected via a conductive connecting member provided in the second inner opening. 29. The guidewire of claim 29. (Appendix 37) The plurality of first conductive traces includes at least one group of a plurality of first conductive traces having equal lengths. 29. The guidewire of claim 29. (Appendix 38) The plurality of first conductive traces constituting the group are formed as point-symmetric pairs. 38. The guidewire of claim 37. (Appendix 39) At least one of the plurality of first conductive traces constituting the group has a meandering portion so that the length of the trace is the same as that of the other first conductive traces in the group. 38. The guidewire of claim 37. (Appendix 40) A guidewire core; a first insulating layer provided on the surface of the guidewire core; a plurality of first conductive traces spaced apart laterally about the guidewire core and disposed on the surface of the first insulating layer and along the length of the guidewire core, each of the plurality of first conductive traces having a distal end and a proximal end; a second insulating layer covering the plurality of first conductive traces and the first insulating layer; a plurality of connection portions provided at least on either end of the plurality of first conductive traces in a longitudinal direction, the connection portions including inner openings opened in the second insulating layer so as to reach the plurality of first conductive traces; a conductive member formed to cover the first conductive trace and the second insulating layer via at least one of the plurality of connecting portions, and which forms a conductive path in the thickness direction when pressure is applied from the thickness direction; Between a proximal-most one of the distal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces and a proximal-most one of the proximal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces, the plurality of first conductive traces are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire core. Guide wire. (Appendix 41) further comprising an electronic component electrically connected to the plurality of connection portions, The electrical connection component as the electronic component has a plurality of pressing portions corresponding to the plurality of first conductive traces, and the electrical connection component and the plurality of first conductive traces are electrically connected by pressing the pressing portions against the conductive member. 41. The guidewire of claim 40. (Appendix 42) The conductive member is made of an anisotropic conductive material that is more elastically deformable than solder. 41. The guidewire of claim 40. (Appendix 43) a conductive band covering the surface of the conductive member; 41. The guidewire of claim 40. (Appendix 44) An elongated medical device comprising the guidewire described in Appendix 1. (Appendix 45) providing a guidewire core; forming a first insulating layer on the surface of the guidewire core; forming a plurality of first conductive traces on a surface of the first insulating layer along a length of the guidewire core, each of the plurality of first conductive traces having a distal end and a proximal end; forming a plurality of connections on at least one of both longitudinal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces, the connections being arranged in a straight line parallel to a longitudinal axis of the guidewire core; disposing an electronic component distal to the guidewire core; electrically connecting the first conductive trace and the electronic component through the inner opening of the connection portion; Between a proximal-most one of the distal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces and a proximal-most one of the proximal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces, the plurality of first conductive traces are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire core. A method for manufacturing a guidewire. (Appendix 46) providing a guidewire core; forming a first insulating layer on the surface of the guidewire core; forming a plurality of first conductive traces on a surface of the first insulating layer along a length of the guidewire core, each of the plurality of first conductive traces having a distal end and a proximal end; forming a second insulating layer overlying the plurality of first conductive traces and the first insulating layer; forming a plurality of connection portions, each of which includes an inner opening opened in the second insulating layer at at least one of both ends in a longitudinal direction of the plurality of first conductive traces so as to reach each of the plurality of first conductive traces; placing a conductive band having an outer opening on a surface of the second insulating layer such that the outer opening and the inner opening overlap; forming a conductive connection member inside the outer opening and inside the inner opening, the conductive connection member electrically connecting the conductive band and the connection portion corresponding to the conductive band; disposing an electronic component distal to the guidewire core; electrically connecting the electronic component and the conductive band; Between a proximal-most one of the distal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces and a proximal-most one of the proximal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces, the plurality of first conductive traces are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire core. A method for manufacturing a guidewire. (Appendix 47) providing a guidewire core; forming a first insulating layer on the surface of the guidewire core; forming a plurality of first conductive traces on a surface of the first insulating layer along a length of the guidewire core, each of the plurality of first conductive traces having a distal end and a proximal end; forming a second insulating layer overlying the plurality of first conductive traces and the first insulating layer; forming a plurality of connection portions, each of which includes an inner opening opened in the second insulating layer at at least one of both ends in a longitudinal direction of the plurality of first conductive traces so as to reach each of the plurality of first conductive traces; forming a conductive member provided to cover the first conductive trace and the second insulating layer located inside the inner opening of the connection portion, the conductive member forming a conductive path in the thickness direction when pressure is applied from the thickness direction; disposing an electronic component distal to the guidewire core; electrically connecting the electronic component and the conductive member; Between a proximal-most one of the distal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces and a proximal-most one of the proximal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces, the plurality of first conductive traces are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire core. A method for manufacturing a guidewire.

Claims

1. A guidewire core; a first insulating layer provided on the surface of the guidewire core; a plurality of first conductive traces spaced apart laterally about the guidewire core and disposed on the surface of the first insulating layer and along the length of the guidewire core, each of the plurality of first conductive traces having a distal end and a proximal end; a second insulating layer covering the plurality of first conductive traces and the first insulating layer; a plurality of connection portions provided at least on either end of the plurality of first conductive traces in a longitudinal direction, the connection portions including inner openings opened in the second insulating layer to reach the plurality of first conductive traces; At least one of the plurality of connection portions includes a conductive member that is formed to cover the first conductive trace and the second insulating layer, and that forms a conductive path in the thickness direction when pressure is applied from the thickness direction; the plurality of first conductive traces are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire core in a portion of the guidewire core having the same diameter between a proximal-most one of the distal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces and a proximal-most one of the proximal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces; Guide wire.

2. further comprising an electronic component electrically connected to the plurality of connection portions, The electrical connection component as the electronic component has a plurality of pressing portions corresponding to the plurality of first conductive traces, and the electrical connection component and the plurality of first conductive traces are electrically connected by pressing the pressing portions against the conductive member. The guidewire of claim 1 .

3. The conductive member is made of an anisotropic conductive material that is more elastically deformable than solder. The guide wire according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a conductive band covering the surface of the conductive member; The guide wire according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. providing a guidewire core; forming a first insulating layer on the surface of the guidewire core; forming a plurality of first conductive traces on a surface of the first insulating layer along a length of the guidewire core, each of the plurality of first conductive traces having a distal end and a proximal end; forming a second insulating layer overlying the plurality of first conductive traces and the first insulating layer; forming a plurality of connection portions, each of which includes an inner opening formed in the second insulating layer at at least one of both ends in a longitudinal direction of the plurality of first conductive traces, so as to reach each of the plurality of first conductive traces; placing a conductive band having an outer opening on a surface of the second insulating layer such that the outer opening and the inner opening overlap; forming a conductive connection member inside the outer opening and inside the inner opening, the conductive connection member being electrically connected to the conductive band; disposing an electronic component distal to the guidewire core; electrically connecting the electronic component and the conductive band; the plurality of first conductive traces are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire core in a portion of the guidewire core having the same diameter between a proximal-most one of the distal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces and a proximal-most one of the proximal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces; A method for manufacturing a guidewire.

6. providing a guidewire core; forming a first insulating layer on the surface of the guidewire core; forming a plurality of first conductive traces on a surface of the first insulating layer along a length of the guidewire core, each of the plurality of first conductive traces having a distal end and a proximal end; forming a second insulating layer overlying the plurality of first conductive traces and the first insulating layer; forming a plurality of connection portions, each of which includes an inner opening formed in the second insulating layer at at least one of both ends in a longitudinal direction of the plurality of first conductive traces, so as to reach each of the plurality of first conductive traces; forming a conductive member provided to cover the first conductive trace and the second insulating layer located inside the inner opening of the connection portion, the conductive member forming a conductive path in the thickness direction when pressure is applied from the thickness direction; disposing an electronic component distal to the guidewire core; electrically connecting the electronic component and the conductive member; the plurality of first conductive traces are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire core in a portion of the guidewire core having the same diameter between a proximal-most one of the distal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces and a proximal-most one of the proximal ends of the plurality of first conductive traces; A method for manufacturing a guidewire.

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