Abstract: Embodiments are directed to radiopaque implantable structures (e.g., stents) formed of cobalt-based alloys that comprise cobalt, chromium, tungsten, and nickel, and methods for their manufacture. Tungsten is present above its solubility limit (about 15%) at ambient temperature, but is still only present as a super-saturated, primarily single-phase material exhibiting an FCC microcrystalline structure.

Abstract: A stent comprising a cobalt-based alloy comprising at least 18 weight % cobalt (Co), 10-25 weight % chromium (Cr), 10-15 weight % tungsten (W), optionally, up to 2 weight % of manganese (Mn), optionally, up to 3 weight % iron (Fe), and 10-65 weight % of a metal member selected from a platinum group metal.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to radiopaque implantable structures (e.g., stents) formed of cobalt-based alloys that comprise cobalt, chromium, tungsten, and nickel, and methods for their manufacture. Tungsten is present above its solubility limit (about 15%) at ambient temperature, but is still only present as a super-saturated, primarily single-phase material exhibiting an FCC microcrystalline structure.

Abstract: A stent comprising a cobalt-based alloy comprising 18-50 weight % cobalt (Co), 10-25 weight % chromium (Cr), 10-15 weight % tungsten (W), 0-2 weight % of manganese (Mn), 0-3 weight % iron (Fe), and 10-65 weight % metal member selected from a platinum group metal.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a multi-segment device comprising an elongate first portion comprising a first metallic material, an elongate second portion comprising a different metallic material, the first and second elongate portions being directly joined together end to end, a heat affected zone surrounding an interface of the elongate first portion and the elongate second portion, a shapeable distal end formed from at least a portion of the elongate second portion, a coil disposed about a portion of the elongate second portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a multi-segment device, such as an intravascular guide wire. The multi-segment device includes an elongate first portion comprising a first metallic material, an elongate second portion comprising a different metallic material, the first and second elongate portions being directly joined together end to end by a solid-state weld, and a heat affected zone surrounding an interface of the weld where the first and second portions are joined together, wherein the heat affected zone has an average thickness of less than about 0.20 mm.

Abstract: A stent comprising a cobalt-based alloy comprising 18-50 weight % cobalt (Co), 10-25 weight % chromium (Cr), 10-15 weight % tungsten (W), 0-2 weight % of manganese (Mn), 0-3 weight % iron (Fe), and 10-65 weight % metal member selected from a platinum group metal.

Abstract: A stent having a cobalt-based alloy, wherein the cobalt-based alloy is free of nickel (Ni), the cobalt-based alloy including 10-65 weight % metal member selected from a platinum group metal, a refractory metal, or combinations thereof, 15-25 weight % chromium (Cr), 4-7 weight % molybdenum (Mo), 0-18 weight % iron (Fe), and 22-40 weight % cobalt (Co).

Abstract: A method of pretinning a core wire for a guidewire having an elongate axis, comprising placing a ball of solder within a pocket in a soldering block; melting the ball of solder; holding a core wire over the ball of solder, with the elongate axis in a horizontal orientation; lowering a portion of the core wire into the ball of solder while maintaining the elongate axis in a horizontal orientation; removing the core wire from the ball of solder.

Abstract: A method of pretinning a guidewire core made of shape memory alloy and having an elongate axis, comprising: placing a ball of solder in a pocket in a soldering block; melting the ball of solder; holding a guidewire core over the ball of solder; lowering the guidewire core into the ball of solder; removing the guidewire from the ball of solder.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a multi-segment device, such as an intravascular guide wire. The multi-segment device includes an elongate first portion comprising a first metallic material, an elongate second portion comprising a different metallic material, the first and second elongate portions being directly joined together end to end by a solid-state weld, and a heat affected zone surrounding an interface of the weld where the first and second portions are joined together, wherein the heat affected zone has an average thickness of less than about 0.20 mm.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a multi-segment device, such as an intravascular guide wire. The multi-segment device includes an elongate first portion comprising a first metallic material, an elongate second portion comprising a different metallic material, the first and second elongate portions being directly joined together end to end by a solid-state weld, and a heat affected zone surrounding an interface of the weld where the first and second portions are joined together, wherein the heat affected zone has an average thickness of less than about 0.20 mm.

Abstract: A stent having a cobalt-based alloy, wherein the cobalt-based alloy is free of nickel (Ni), the cobalt-based alloy including 10-65 weight % metal member selected from a platinum group metal, a refractory metal, or combinations thereof, 15-25 weight % chromium (Cr), 4-7 weight % molybdenum (Mo), 0-18 weight % iron (Fe), and 22-40 weight % cobalt (Co).

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to radiopaque implantable structures (e.g., stents) formed of cobalt-based alloys that comprise cobalt, chromium, tungsten, and nickel. Tungsten is present above its solubility limit (about 15%), but is still only present as a super-saturated, primarily single-phase material exhibiting an FCC microcrystalline structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to multi-segment intraluminal guide wires including an elongate distal portion comprising a first metallic material (e.g., nitinol), an elongate proximal portion comprising a second metallic material (e.g., stainless steel). The distal and proximal portions may be directly joined together end to end by a solid-state weld joint. A diameter of the weld region surrounding the weld joint on either side of the weld joint may be reduced (e.g., ground down) relative to the diameter of the distal and proximal portions of the guide wire on either side of the weld region. A stiffness adjusting sleeve may be disposed over the weld joint so that a transition profile of bending stiffness across the weld region is gradual, rather than abrupt across the distal portion of the guide wire to the proximal portion of the guide wire. A polymer jacket may cover the sleeve and distal portion.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to radiopaque implantable structures (e.g., stents) formed of cobalt-based alloys that comprise cobalt, chromium, tungsten, and nickel, and methods for their manufacture. Tungsten is present above its solubility limit (about 15%) at ambient temperature, but is still only present as a super-saturated, primarily single-phase material exhibiting an FCC microcrystalline structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a multi-segment device, such as an intravascular guide wire. The multi-segment device includes an elongate first portion comprising a first metallic material, an elongate second portion comprising a different metallic material, the first and second elongate portions being directly joined together end to end by a solid-state weld, and a heat affected zone surrounding an interface of the weld where the first and second portions are joined together, wherein the heat affected zone has an average thickness of less than about 0.20 mm.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a multi-segment device, such as an intravascular guide wire. The multi-segment device includes an elongate first portion comprising a first metallic material, an elongate second portion comprising a different metallic material, the first and second elongate portions being directly joined together end to end by a solid-state weld, and a heat affected zone surrounding an interface of the weld where the first and second portions are joined together, wherein the heat affected zone has an average thickness of less than about 0.20 mm.

Abstract: A method of pretinning a guidewire core made of shape memory alloy and having an elongate axis, comprising: placing a ball of solder in a pocket in a soldering block; melting the ball of solder; holding a guidewire core over the ball of solder; lowering the guidewire core into the ball of solder; removing the guidewire from the ball of solder.

Abstract: A method of pretinning a guidewire core made of shape memory alloy and having an elongate axis, comprising: placing a ball of solder in a pocket in a soldering block; melting the ball of solder; holding a guidewire core over the ball of solder; lowering the guidewire core into the ball of solder; removing the guidewire from the ball of solder.