Tungsten Micro Coils for Medical Device Markers

An Alternative to Traditional Marker Bands

Radiopaque markers are essential components in minimally invasive medical devices, allowing physicians to visualize the location of catheters, guidewires, delivery systems, and implants under fluoroscopy. Traditionally, these markers have taken the form of machined or formed marker bands made from platinum, platinum-iridium, gold, or tantalum.

Tungsten micro coils offer a different approach.

By replacing a solid marker band with a precision wound tungsten coil, medical device designers gain additional flexibility in geometry, assembly methods, and catheter integration while maintaining excellent radiopacity.

Whether used as a marker on guidewires, catheters, delivery systems, or other minimally invasive devices, tungsten micro coils provide engineers with another design option for achieving precise visualization under X-ray imaging.

Why Choose Tungsten Micro Coils Instead of a Marker Band?

Unlike rigid marker bands, micro coils can be designed with varying inside diameters, wire diameters, lengths, and overall flexibility. This allows them to conform to assemblies where a conventional marker band may not be practical. Potential advantages include:

  • Extremely small diameters for next-generation microcatheters
  • Lower profile designs
  • Improved flexibility compared to solid bands
  • Easier integration with complex catheter assemblies
  • Wide range of custom dimensions
  • Precision placement over mandrels, cores, or tubing
  • Available in standard or custom lengths

Because the marker is constructed from a tightly wound tungsten wire, engineers have the ability to tailor both the mechanical characteristics and the radiopaque profile for their application.

Standard and Custom Sizes

Standard coils are available in a range of outside diameters designed for medical device development, including Sub-Fr and common French-size catheter applications.

  • Wire diameters from 0.013 mm and larger
  • Close-wound construction
  • Standard lengths beginning at 0.5 mm
  • Custom inside diameters
  • Custom outside diameters
  • Precision-cut lengths
  • Medical-grade tungsten

Custom designs are also available for development projects requiring unique dimensions or performance characteristics.

Applications for Tungsten Micro Coils

Tungsten micro coils are suitable for a variety of minimally invasive medical devices, including:

  • Catheter radiopaque markers
  • Guidewire markers
  • Balloon catheter markers
  • Neurovascular devices
  • Peripheral vascular devices
  • Structural heart delivery systems
  • Electrophysiology catheters
  • Implant delivery systems
  • Diagnostic catheters
  • Custom medical assemblies

Why Tungsten?

Tungsten offers several characteristics that make it attractive for radiopaque medical components. Benefits include:

  • High density for excellent fluoroscopic visibility
  • Biocompatible when properly incorporated into medical device assemblies
  • High stiffness and strength
  • Excellent dimensional stability
  • Suitable for extremely small precision components

These properties make tungsten an excellent material for miniature marker components where space is limited and visibility is critical.

Precision Manufacturing of Tungsten Micro Coils for Medical Devices

Every medical device application has unique requirements. Our micro coils can be manufactured to customer specifications with precise control over:

  • Coil inside diameter (ID)
  • Outside diameter (OD)
  • Wire diameter
  • Length
  • Pitch
  • End configuration

Whether you require prototype quantities or production volumes, we can help develop a coil optimized for your application.

In need of Tungsten Micro Coils?

Looking for an alternative to traditional marker bands? Explore our standard sizes or contact us if you need a custom configuration.

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