Guiding sheath exchange system

摘要

A guiding sheath exchange system comprises first and second guiding sheaths and an exchange dilator. Each guiding sheath has a lumen extending therethrough. The first guiding sheath has a first predefined curve at its distal end and the second guiding sheath has a second predefined curve at its distal end different from the first predefined curve. The exchange dilator comprises a flexible tubing having a generally constant diameter along its length, two tapered ends and a lumen therethrough. The guiding sheath exchange system is used for replacing the first guiding sheath having a distal end that is in the patient's heart with the second guiding sheath. The replacement method comprises inserting the distal end of the exchange dilator into the proximal end of the lumen of the first guiding sheath and feeding the distal end of the exchange dilator through the lumen so that it extends distal the distal end of the first guiding sheath. The first guiding sheath is removed from the patient's body while the distal end of the exchange dilator is left in the body. The proximal end of the exchange dilator is inserted into the distal end of the lumen of the second guiding sheath. The distal end of the second guiding sheath is fed into the body over the exchange dilator so that the distal end of the second guiding sheath is in the heart.