调节管心针硬度轮廓的设备和方法

一种用于将导管引导至患者体内的预定位置的管心针。管心针可以包括连续芯构件，其用于将电信号从管心针的远侧区段传输至近端。在一些实施方案中，管心针沿着其长度包括不同的硬度轮廓。通过改变线股的数量、改变每个单独股的直径、绞合或编织股、或改变绞合股的单位长度的匝数，可以实现不同硬度特征。管心针的硬度可以从近端向远侧区段降低，例如间歇地、连续地或沿着与远端邻近的连续区段。通过使用捆绑在一起的多个股，可以最大化有益的导电特性和任选地有益的磁性特性，同时修改硬度特征。 A stylet for use in guiding a catheter to a predetermined location within the body of a patient includes a continuous core member for transmitting an electrical signal from a distal section of the stylet to a proximal end. The stylet includes a differing stiffness profile along its length. The differing stiffness characteristics are achieved by varying the number of strands of a wire, the diameter of each individual strand, twisting or braiding the strands, or varying the number of turns per unit length of the twisted strands. The stiffness of the stylet may decrease intermittently or continuously from the proximal end to the distal section. By using multiple strands bundled together, the beneficial conductive and, optionally, magnetic properties can be maximized while at the same ti