Originally Published MD&DI June and July 2008
CATHETER DESIGN
Microwire Use in Catheter-Based Medical Device Applications
Brett Steen
New materials and processes have led to advances in microwire products.
Wires can create conductive pathways that transport electrical energy down the length of invasive catheter devices. Because wire systems can provide microdiameter profiles while maintaining consistent high-quality metallic and insulation material properties and dimensions, they are leading the way in this field. Read more...
Incorporating microwires into catheter design offers new opportunities for sensor applications.
Insulated microdiameter wire designs can be manufactured reliably down to sizes of around 0.001 in. (0.026 mm). Most applications currently use diameters within the range of 0.0025–0.0075 in. (0.064–0.192 mm). The pressure to reduce these sizes, as with most catheter-based products, continues to be problematic to manufacturers. Read more...
