IMPROVED GUIDE WIRE SYSTEMS FOR INTRAVASCULAR CATHETERS

摘要

A vascular catheter (10) comprises a catheter body (12) at the distal end (16) of which is attached a fixed guide wire (40). The fixed guide wire (40) comprises an axial passage (42) which is aligned with a passage of the wire (46) lying within the catheter body (12) such that said vascular catheter (10) can be introduced into the vascular system by a movable guide wire (48). The body (12) of the catheter typically comprises a flexible tube (12) at the distal end (16) which is fixed a housing (24). Can be accommodated within said housing a variety of interventional devices including therapeutic and diagnostic devices. The use of both a fixed guide wire (40) and a movable guide wire (48) facilitates the initial introduction of vascular catheters large diameter, while allowing a subsequent repositioning of the catheter after removal said movable guide wire (48).