RAPID EXCHANGE STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS

摘要

A rapid exchange stent delivery catheter which includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member slidably disposed thereon. The inner tubular member and the outer tubular member have rapid exchange type guide wire openings. The guide wire opening of the outer tubular member is preferably shorter in length than the guide wire opening of the inner tubula r member to protect the inner workings of the catheter. The outer tubular memb er may include a guide wire access sleeve having a guide wire ramp extending in to the guide wire lumen of the inner tubular member. The guide wire sleeve may be a separate component from the remainder of the outer tubular member to facilitate efficient manufacture.