US Patent 7785317 Joined metal tubing and method of manufacture

A generally hollow article for use as or incorporation within a medical instrument navigable through body vessels of a human subject is provided. The article is defined by two metal pieces, such as nitinol and stainless steel, having different performance characteristics. At least a portion of the two pieces are arranged into an alternating pattern and joined together to define a joint or junction. The two pieces may each be provided as a tube having a spiral-cut section that is configured to be intermeshed with the spiral-cut section of the other metal. The article may also include a radiopaque material for improved placement within the body, which material may also be provided as a tube with a spiral-cut section to be intermeshed and joined with the first and second pieces.