Abstract: Methods for coating metallic articles. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a metallic article having an external surface with an oxide thereon; removing at least part of the oxide from the external surface of the article; and placing a coating on the article. The invention also includes coated metallic articles, and an apparatus for coating metallic articles.

Abstract: The present invention represents an improved guidewire for use in medical applications designed to cross lesions/stenoses within body cavities and/or blood vessels. The guidewire is provided with a main elongated section of uniform diameter, a tapered section of reduced diameter distal to said main section, and an elongated spring safety core section distal to said tapered section and having a distal end which comprises a short section of enlarged diameter relative to the diameter of the spring core safety section and which forms a blunted tip at the distal end of the guidewire.