CATHETER AND GUIDE WIRE EXCHANGE SYSTEM WITH DECOUPLED GUIDE MEMBER

摘要

A catheter and guide wire exchange system including a catheter (12) having a guide wire lumen with a guide way extending along the length of a stiffened proximal shaft portion, and a guide member (10) slidably disposed about the proximal shaft (22) for directing a guide wire (14) into or out of the guide way and the guide wire lumen (30). The proximal shaft may be slid through the guide member so that the guide wire is contained within the guide wire lumen distal to the guide member and with the guide wire and catheter being separated proximal of the guide member. The guide member has a decoupled body, that allows it to be rotated without affecting the guidewire direction through the guide member.