Intravascular devices, systems, and methods having a core wire with multiple flattened sections

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to intravascular devices, systems, and methods having a core wire with multiple flattened sections. In one aspect, a sensing guide wire is provided. The guide wire includes a first flexible elongate member; a sensing element positioned at a distal portion of the first flexible elongate member; and a second flexible elongate member coupled to the first flexible elongate member such that the second flexible elongate member extends distally from the first flexible elongate member; and wherein a distal portion of the first flexible elongate member includes at least two flattened sections, and wherein the first and second flexible elongate members are coupled along a portion of one of the at least two flattened sections. In other aspects, methods of forming a sensing guide wire are provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus, comprising:
 an intravascular guidewire comprising:
 a metallic core wire; 
 a housing structure attached to a distal portion of the metallic core wire; 
 a sensor mounted to the housing structure; 
 an electrical conductor associated with the sensor and extending proximally from the sensor; and 
 a metallic shaping ribbon extending distal of the metallic core wire, 
   wherein the metallic shaping ribbon is attached to the metallic core wire at a first attachment location,   wherein the metallic shaping ribbon is attached to the housing structure at a different, second attachment location spaced from and proximal to the first attachment location, and   wherein the sensor is different than the metallic core wire, the electrical conductor, and the metallic shaping ribbon.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the metallic shaping ribbon comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an intermediate portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the proximal portion of the metallic shaping ribbon terminates at the housing structure. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the intermediate portion of the metallic shaping ribbon is attached to the metallic core wire at the first attachment location. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the proximal portion of the metallic shaping ribbon is spaced from the metallic core wire. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising adhesive disposed within the housing structure, wherein the metallic shaping ribbon is attached to the housing structure via the adhesive. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a pressure sensor. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a flow sensor. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is disposed completely within the housing. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a coil distal of the housing structure, wherein metallic core wire and the metallic shaping ribbon extend within the coil. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first attachment location is located within the coil.