Abstract: A method of forming a fenestrated tubular support member includes determining a first iso-stiffness curve corresponding to a first function of beam length versus ring width for the first stiffness; determining a second iso-stiffness curve corresponding to a second function of beam length versus ring width for the second stiffness; determining an iso-volume curve corresponding to a third function of beam length versus ring width for a given fenestration volume; identifying a first intersection point where the iso-volume curve intersects the first iso-stiffness curve; and identifying a second intersection point where the iso-volume curve intersects the second iso-stiffness curve. The first section ring width and first section beam length are determined from the first intersection point, and the second section ring width and second section beam length are determined from the second intersection point.

Abstract: A tubular support member located in a distal portion of an elongate flexible medical device is provided with a plurality of wall openings, e.g., axially-spaced, substantially transverse slots, formed therein to thereby increase a flexibility of the support member. A layer of sealing material overlays an outer surface the support member so as to provide a sealed portion of the support member including the wall openings, the sealing material having respective flexible invaginations formed therein overlaying the wall openings in the support member so that the sealing material does not substantially impede flexibility of the support member.

Abstract: A method of forming a fenestrated tubular support member includes determining a first iso-stiffness curve corresponding to a first function of beam length versus ring width for the first stiffness; determining a second iso-stiffness curve corresponding to a second function of beam length versus ring width for the second stiffness; determining an iso-volume curve corresponding to a third function of beam length versus ring width for a given fenestration volume; identifying a first intersection point where the iso-volume curve intersects the first iso-stiffness curve; and identifying a second intersection point where the iso-volume curve intersects the second iso-stiffness curve. The first section ring width and first section beam length are determined from the first intersection point, and the second section ring width and second section beam length are determined from the second intersection point.

Abstract: A tubular support member located in a distal portion of an elongate flexible medical device is provided with a plurality of wall openings, e.g., axially-spaced, substantially transverse slots, formed therein to thereby increase a flexibility of the support member. A layer of sealing material overlays an outer surface the support member so as to provide a sealed portion of the support member including the wall openings, the sealing material having respective flexible invaginations formed therein overlaying the wall openings in the support member so that the sealing material does not substantially impede flexibility of the support member.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same. An example medical devices includes a core member and a tubular member disposed over a portion of the core member. The tubular member has a plurality of slots formed therein.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guidewire. The guidewire may include a core wire having a distal portion. A tubular member may be disposed over the distal portion. The tubular member may have a plurality of slots formed therein. The tubular member may have a distal section with a heat transfer region and a heat sink region. A solder tip member may be attached to the tubular member. The solder tip member may include a portion extending through the heat transfer region of the tubular member to the heat sink region.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same. A medical device may include an elongate tubular member. The tubular member may include a first circumferential tube segment, a second circumferential tube segment disposed next to the first circumferential tube segment, and a third circumferential tube segment disposed next to the second circumferential tube segment. The first tube segment and the second tube segment may be separated by a first set of slots formed in the tubular member. The second tube segment and the third tube segment may be separated by a second set of slots formed in the tubular member. The second tube segment may be connected to the first tube segment with a proximally-extending beam formed in the tubular member. The second tube segment may also be connected to the third tube segment with a distally-extending beam formed in the tubular member. A ring may be defined in the second tube segment between the proximally-extending beam and the distally-extending beam.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guidewire. The guidewire may include a core wire having a distal portion. A tubular member may be disposed over the distal portion. The tubular member may have a plurality of slots formed therein. A polymeric member may be disposed along an outer surface of the tubular member. The polymeric member may have an uneven outer surface.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guidewire. The guidewire may include a core wire having a distal portion. A tubular member may be disposed over the distal portion. The tubular member may have a plurality of slots formed therein and may have a longitudinal axis. The tubular member may include a variably spaced slot section that has a flexural rigidity that varies from a first flexural rigidity to a second flexural rigidity. The transition from the first flexural rigidity to the second flexural rigidity may be a function of a fourth power equation. The first flexural rigidity may be in the range of about 1×10?6 to about 9×10?5 lbs-inches2. The second flexural rigidity may be in the range of about 1×10?3 to about 5×10?3 lbs-inches2.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guidewire. The guidewire may include a core wire having a distal portion. A tubular member may be disposed over the distal portion. The tubular member may have a plurality of slots formed therein and may have a longitudinal axis. The tubular member may include a variably spaced slot section that has a flexural rigidity that varies from a first flexural rigidity to a second flexural rigidity. The transition from the first flexural rigidity to the second flexural rigidity may be a function of a fourth power equation. The first flexural rigidity may be in the range of about 1×10?6 to about 9×10?5 lbs-inches2. The second flexural rigidity may be in the range of about 1×10?3 to about 5×10?3 lbs-inches2.

Abstract: A tubular catheter support member comprises a plurality of annular segments stacked along a longitudinal axis of the catheter, and a plurality of beams connecting respective annular segments in the stack, wherein the beams meet the respective annular segments at oblique angles, and wherein the beams collectively form a helix around the longitudinal axis of the catheter.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same. An example medical devices includes a core member and a tubular member disposed over a portion of the core member. The tubular member has a plurality of slots formed therein.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guidewire. The guidewire may include a core wire having a distal portion. A tubular member may be disposed over the distal portion. The tubular member may have a plurality of slots formed therein and may have a longitudinal axis. The tubular member may include a variably spaced slot section that has a flexural rigidity that varies from a first flexural rigidity to a second flexural rigidity. The transition from the first flexural rigidity to the second flexural rigidity may be a function of a fourth power equation. The first flexural rigidity may be in the range of about 1×10?6 to about 9×10?5 lbs-inches2. The second flexural rigidity may be in the range of about 1×10?3 to about 5×10?3 lbs-inches2.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guidewire. The guidewire may include a core wire having a distal portion. A tubular member may be disposed over the distal portion. The tubular member may have a plurality of slots formed therein. The tubular member may have a distal section with a heat transfer region and a heat sink region. A solder tip member may be attached to the tubular member. The solder tip member may include a portion extending through the heat transfer region of the tubular member to the heat sink region.

Abstract: A tubular catheter support member comprises a plurality of annular segments stacked along a longitudinal axis of the catheter, and a plurality of beams connecting respective annular segments in the stack, wherein the beams meet the respective annular segments at oblique angles, and wherein the beams collectively form a helix around the longitudinal axis of the catheter.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guidewire. The guidewire may include a core wire having a distal portion. A tubular member may be disposed over the distal portion. The tubular member may have a plurality of slots formed therein. A polymeric member may be disposed along an outer surface of the tubular member. The polymeric member may have an uneven outer surface.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guidewire. The guidewire may include a core wire having a distal portion. A tubular member may be disposed over the distal portion. The tubular member may have a plurality of slots formed therein and may have a longitudinal axis. The tubular member may include a variably spaced slot section that has a flexural rigidity that varies from a first flexural rigidity to a second flexural rigidity. The transition from the first flexural rigidity to the second flexural rigidity may be a function of a fourth power equation. The first flexural rigidity may be in the range of about 1×10?6 to about 9×10?5 lbs-inches2. The second flexural rigidity may be in the range of about 1×10?3 to about 5×10?3 lbs-inches2.

Abstract: Medical devices such as catheters may provide advantages in flexibility, strength and other desired properties. Some medical devices may include a hypotube that has a plurality of slots disposed therein. The hypotube or another portion of the medical device may cause or permit the medical device to exhibit preferential bending in a single direction.

Abstract: Medical devices for navigation through anatomy, including guidewires, which may have a core wire, a slotted tubular member, or both. Embodiments may have coils, including non-circular cross-section edge-wound marker coils, extended coil tips, and soldered or glued mesial joint coils. Core wires may have a step, ridge, or taper at the joints to the tubular member, and may be flattened at the distal tip. Radiopaque material may be located inside the tubular member, and the distal tip may be heat treated to make it shapeable. Additional tubular members or coils may be used concentrically or in line and may enhance flexibility, provide radiopacity, reduce friction, or reduce material or manufacturing cost. Tubular members may be chamfered or tapered continuously or incrementally. Slots may be arranged in groups, such as groups of three, and may be equal in depth or unequal in depth to provide a steerable or compressible tip.

Abstract: Medical devices for navigation through anatomy, including guidewires, which may have a core wire, a slotted tubular member, or both. Embodiments may have coils, including non-circular cross-section edge-wound marker coils, extended coil tips, and soldered or glued mesial joint coils. Core wires may have a step, ridge, or taper at the joints to the tubular member, and may be flattened at the distal tip. Radiopaque material may be located inside the tubular member, and the distal tip may be heat treated to make it shapeable. Additional tubular members or coils may be used concentrically or in line and may enhance flexibility, provide radiopacity, reduce friction, or reduce material or manufacturing cost. Tubular members may be chamfered or tapered continuously or incrementally. Slots may be arranged in groups, such as groups of three, and may be equal in depth or unequal in depth to provide a steerable or compressible tip.