Abstract: A guide wire, and a method for the manufacture thereof, having a core and a plastic jacket enclosing the core. The plastic jacket comprises a proximal portion formed of a first plastic material and a distal jacket portion formed of a second plastic material. The distal end of the proximal jacket portion and the proximal end of the distal jacket portion substantially abut each other and are of substantially equal out diameters so as to form a smooth transition between the proximal and the distal jacket portions. According to another aspect, there is provided a guide wire with a selectively formable metallic core and a plastic jacket encasing the formable core. The plastic jacket has a distal portion with a hydrophilic coating and a proximal portion without a hydrophilic coating. According to another aspect, there is provided a guide wire having a formable metallic core and a plastic jacket encasing the formable core. The plastic jacket has a distal portion that is more radiopaque than a proximal portion.

Abstract: A guide wire, and a method for the manufacture thereof, having a core and a plastic jacket enclosing the core. The plastic jacket comprises a proximal portion formed of a first plastic material and a distal jacket portion formed of a second plastic material. The distal end of the proximal jacket portion and the proximal end of the distal jacket portion substantially abut each other and are of substantially equal outer diameters so as to form a smooth transition between the proximal and the distal jacket portions. According to another aspect, there is provided a guide wire with a selectively formable metallic core and a plastic jacket encasing the formable core. The plastic jacket has a distal portion with a hydrophilic coating and a proximal portion without a hydrophilic coating. According to another aspect, there is provided a guide wire having a formable metallic core and a plastic jacket encasing the formable core. The plastic jacket has a distal portion that is more radiopaque than a proximal portion.

Abstract: A guide wire, and a method for the manufacture thereof, having a core and a plastic jacket enclosing the core. The plastic jacket comprises a proximal portion formed of a first plastic material and a distal jacket portion formed of a second plastic material. The distal end of the proximal jacket portion and the proximal end of the distal jacket portion substantially abut each other and are of substantially equal outer diameters so as to form a smooth transition between the proximal and the distal jacket portions. According to another aspect, there is provided a guide wire with a selectively formable metallic core and a plastic jacket encasing the formable core. The plastic jacket has a distal portion with a hydrophilic coating and a proximal portion without a hydrophilic coating. According to another aspect, there is provided a guide wire having a formable metallic core and a plastic jacket encasing the formable core. The plastic jacket has a distal portion that is more radiopaque than a proximal portion.