Abstract: This invention provides a small diameter snare device and device for thrombus removal consisting of a hollow, elongate, thin-walled outer sheath constructed from polymer, at least at a distal part thereof. A single central core wire extends through the entire length of the sheath. The outer diameter of the core wire is sized close to the inner diameter of the sheath while allowing for axial sliding, in order to maximize the support to the body portion of the snare device. The distal end of the core wire has a tapered section of reduced diameter or cross section to provide a “guidewire-like” flexibility to the distal portion of the device. A second wire (or wires) of about fifty percent or less of the inner diameter of the sheath is (are) shaped to form a snare loop or radially extended tool tip that is attached to the distal most portion of the central core wire.

Abstract: This invention provides a small diameter snare device consisting of a hollow, elongate, thin-walled polymer outer sheath. A single central core wire extends through the entire length of the sheath. The outer diameter of the core wire is sized close to the inner diameter of the sheath while allowing for axial sliding, in order to maximize the support to the body portion of the snare device. The distal end of the core wire has a tapered section of reduced diameter or cross section to provide a “guidewire-like” flexibility to the distal portion of the device. A second wire of about fifty percent of the inner diameter of the sheath is shaped to form a snare loop and the two ends are attached to the distal most portion of the central core wire via welding, soldering, or brazing.

Abstract: A composite guidewire includes a central core that is made out of a “linear elastic” material, which at body temperature does not exhibit a yield point and/or change phase when subjected to the range of stresses that are common to guidewires. A core extension, which is made out of stiffer material, such as stainless steel, attaches to the central core through a coupling tube, which may be made of super elastic material, linear elastic material, or stainless steel. The coupling tube fits over a tapered distal end of the core extension and a proximal end of the central core that may but need not be tapered. The proximal end of the coupling tube abuts the tapered section of the core extension where the section has an outer diameter that is approximately the same size as the inner diameter of the coupling tube, and the tube is thus held against axial movement.