Abstract: The present invention relates to a guidewire having a shaped three dimensional guide section. In the preferred embodiment the guide section is helical, and exerts an outward radial force on a lumen the guidewire is constrained in. The outward radial force can be measured or calculated according to methods of the present invention. Also described is a system comprising a guidewire and catheter where the force of the catheter exerts on a body lumen can also be calculated. Apparatus and methods of making the guidewire are also disclosed, as well as alternative embodiments of the guidewire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a guidewire having a shaped three dimensional guide section. In the preferred embodiment the guide section is helical, and exerts an outward radial force on a lumen the guidewire is constrained in. The outward radial force can be measured or calculated according to methods of the present invention. Also described is a system comprising a guidewire and catheter where the force the catheter exerts on a body lumen can also be calculated. Apparatus and methods of making the guidewire are also disclosed, as well as alternative embodiments of the guidewire.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of making a guidewire with a preformed three dimensional profile is described. The Apparatus comprises a mandrel having a screw thread for receiving a core wire and at least one securing means for holding the core wire onto the mandrel. The core wire must be retained under tension in order to properly impart the desired shape into the core wire. A system and method of using the apparatus is disclosed comprising the steps of loading the core wire onto the mandrel, securing the core wire and mandrel and then heating the assembly until the wire takes the desired shape.