High radiopacity is achieved in a polymeric marker by combining a
polymeric resin, a powdered radiopaque agent having uniformly shaped
particles of a specific particle size distribution and a wetting agent.
The method to produce the marker calls for the blending and pelletization
of these materials followed by extrusion onto support beading. The
resulting supported tubing is subsequently cut to length with the beading
still in place. After ejection of the beading remnant the marker is
slipped into place on the device to be marked and attached by melt
bonding. Marking of a guidewire allows lesions to be measured while the
marking of balloon catheters allow the balloon to be properly positioned
relative to a lesion.