Abstract: A catheter guide wire is for use in guiding of a catheter to a destination position in vessels in body and comprises a solid core wire of a Ti-Ni shape memory alloy and an outer jacket covering the core wire. In order to provide a plasticity to one end portion of the core wire, at least one end portion is made of a 45.0-51.0 at % Ni-0.5-5.0 at % Fe-Ti shape memory alloy and is heat treated at 400.degree.-500.degree. C. The end portion is provided with a pseudo elasticity at a temperature about 37.degree. and a plasticity at a temperature below 80.degree. C. Alternatively, the end portion may be made of a 50.3-52.0 at % Ni-Ti alloy and is heat treated at a temperature of 700.degree. C. In order to improve operability of the catheter guide wire, the remaining portion other than the end portion is made of provided with a comparatively high rigidity by a usual Ti-Ni shape memory alloy which is not heat treated. Alternatively, the remaining portion is covered with an inorganic layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of flat permeable membrane comprises the steps of mixing a polyolefin, an organic filler uniformly dispersible in the polyolefin in the molten state, and crystal seed forming agent for the polyolefin; discharging the resultant mixture in the molten state through a die; bringing one surface of the discharged molten membrane into contact with a cooling roll; placine the cooled and solidified flat membrane into contact with an extractant capable of dissolving and extracting the organic filler and capable of dissolving the polyolefin; and subjecting the cooled and solidified flat membrane in a fixed state in longitudinal and lateral directions to a heat treatment at a temperature 20.degree. to 50.degree. C. lower than the melting point of the polyolefin.

Abstract: In a membrane type artificial lung using as gas-exchange membranes porous hydrophobic membranes having a wall thickness in the range of 5 to 80 .mu.m, a porosity in the range of 20 to 80%, and a pore diameter in the range of 0.01 to 5 .mu.m, the minute pores of the membranes are blocked with minute particles of silica having a diameter smaller than the pore diameter and having a hydrophobic surface at least on the sides thereof intended for exposure to blood. Optionally, the gas-exchange membranes have the surfaces for exposure to blood coated with a biocompatible hydrophobic resin.