Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steerable guidewire. More specifically, the invention is directed to a guidewire which comprises flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends and inner and outer surfaces, a helically wound flexible spring coil having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the spring coil being attached to the flexible tubing and the distal end of the spring coil comprising stretched coils, a deflection wire extending through the flexible tubing and spring coil, the deflection wire having proximal and distal ends, optionally a control wire having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the control wire being attached to the spring coil proximal to the stretched coils, and a rounded tip engaging the distal end of the spring coil, the distal end of the deflection wire, and the distal end of the control wire.

Abstract: This invention relates to steerable catheters. More particularly, this invention relates to steerable catheters comprising a flexible catheter comprising a spring coil body defining a lumen, the spring coil body having a flexible covering thereon; a deflection wire, the distal end of the deflection wire being attached to the distal end of the spring coil body; and control means attached to the proximal end of the catheter, the proximal end of the deflection wire extending through the control means and the control means having a torque means which fixedly engages said deflection wire.