Abstract: In various examples, an apparatus includes a first hypotube formed from a first material and a second hypotube formed from a second material different from the first material. A first joint is formed between the first hypotube and the second hypotube, the first joint including a combination of the first material and the second material. The apparatus includes a sidewall and a passageway extending through the apparatus. The sidewall is formed by the first sidewall of the first hypotube, the second sidewall of the second hypotube, and the first joint. The apparatus includes an outer diameter that is substantially consistent along a length of the apparatus and an inner diameter that is substantially consistent along a length of the apparatus. In other examples, a method of joining the first hypotube to the second hypotube is contemplated.

Abstract: In various examples, an apparatus includes a first hypotube formed from a first material and a second hypotube formed from a second material different from the first material. A first joint is formed between the first hypotube and the second hypotube, the first joint including a combination of the first material and the second material. The apparatus includes a sidewall and a passageway extending through the apparatus. The sidewall is formed by the first sidewall of the first hypotube, the second sidewall of the second hypotube, and the first joint. The apparatus includes an outer diameter that is substantially consistent along a length of the apparatus and an inner diameter that is substantially consistent along a length of the apparatus. In other examples, a method of joining the first hypotube to the second hypotube is contemplated.

Abstract: A bi-metal medical guidewire with a core wire having a stainless steel proximal section and Nitinol distal section offers performance enhancements compared to guidewires made from either alloy alone. A solid-state, frictional welding or frictional joining process for Nitinol and stainless steel wires ranging in diameter from 0.013? to 0.020?, without the need for tertiary metals, adhesive or ferrules is disclosed. The resulting frictional weld joint strength is approximately 80% of the tensile strength of the raw Nitinol wire with excellent bending properties.