The catheter exchange guide wire and process for replacing a first wire guide used with a catheter guide

摘要

A catheter (10) for facilitating the exchange of guidewires during the course of a transluminal angioplasty or related procedure which comprises an elongated, flexible, tubular member (12) having at least one lumen (18) running the full length thereof from its proximal end (14) to its distal end (16) and with at least three apertures (20, 22, 24) or ports extending through the wall thereof at longitudinally spaced locations near the distal end (16) of the tubular member (12). These ports (20, 22, 24) communicate with the lumen (18) of the tubular member (12) and a longitudinal slit (26) is also provided through the wall of the tubular member (12) connecting the most proximal port (20) to the next proximal port (22). The exchange catheter (10) may also include a proximal hub (28) connected to the proximal end (14) of the elongated plastic tube (12).