Abstract: A guide wire having a distal extremity with an adjustable support characteristic including a core wire having proximal and distal extremities. The distal extremity has a reduced cross sectional area which is more flexible than the proximal extremity. A tip is secured to the distal extremity of the core wire. A sleeve of superelastic material is disposed coaxially on the distal extremity of the core wire. The sleeve is annealed so that it is relatively flexible at a temperature ranging from 20.degree. to 40.degree. C. and becomes progressively stiffer as temperature increases. The core wire conducts electrical energy to the superelastic sleeve to supply heat to the sleeve and extends from the proximal extremity of the core wire to the sleeve to cause the sleeve to become stiffer to thereby increase the stiffness of the distal extremity of the guide wire.

Abstract: Guide wire for use in a medical procedure and for use with a power supply comprising a solid core wire having proximal and distal extremities. The proximal extremity has a predetermined diameter. At least a portion of the distal extremity has a reduced size with respect to the predetermined diameter. A flexible coil is secured to the distal extremity of the core wire and extends over the portion of the core wire having a reduced size. An actuator member is disposed proximal of the coil and extends along the core wire. Electrical conductors extend from the proximal extremity of the core wire to the actuator member for supplying heat to the actuator member. The actuator member is formed of a temperature activated metal alloy having a Young's modulus of 4.times.10.sup.6 to 14.times.10.sup.6 psi which increases in stiffness when heat is supplied thereto to increase the stiffness of the guide wire proximally of the coil.

Abstract: Guide wire for use in a medical procedure and for use with the power supply comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a bore extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. A core wire extends through the bore of the flexible elongate tubular member. A coil assembly is mounted on the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member and has a distal extremity. A rounded tip is formed on the distal extremity. An actuator member has at least a portion thereof disposed in the coil assembly and has proximal and distal extremities. The proximal extremity of the actuator member is secured to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member. The distal extremity of the actuator member is secured to the rounded tip. The actuator member has a portion thereof formed of a shape memory material and incorporating a shape member therein.

Abstract: A guide wire having a distal extremity with an adjustable support characteristic comprising a core wire having proximal and distal extremities. The distal extremity has a reduced cross sectional area which is more flexible than the proximal extremity. A tip secured to the distal extremity of the core wire. A sleeve of superelastic material is disposed coaxially on the distal extremity of the core wire. The sleeve is annealed so that it is relatively flexible at a temperature ranging from 20.degree. to 40.degree. C. and becomes progressively stiffer as temperature increases. The core wire conducts electrical energy to the superelastic sleeve to supply heat to the sleeve and extends from the proximal extremity of the core wire to the sleeve to cause the sleeve to become stiffer to thereby increase the stiffness of the distal extremity of the guide wire.

Abstract: Guide wire for use in a medical procedure and for use with the power supply comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a bore extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. A core wire extends through the bore of the flexible elongate tubular member. A coil assembly is mounted on the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member and has a distal extremity. A rounded tip is formed on the distal extremity. An actuator member has at least a portion thereof disposed in the coil assembly and has proximal and distal extremities. The proximal extremity of the actuator member is secured to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member. The distal extremity of the actuator member is secured to the rounded tip. The actuator member has a portion thereof formed of a shape memory material and incorporating a shape member therein.