Fully exchangeable over-the-wire catheter with rip seam and gated side port

摘要

A fully exchangeable over-the-wire catheter is disclosed having a lumen adapted to slidingly receive a guidewire throughout the longitudinal extent of the tubular shaft. The tubular shaft may also be provided with a longitudinal rip seam extending into the lumen from the proximal portion of the tubular shaft to a point adjacent the distal end of the tubular shaft which enables the catheter to be peeled from the guidewire during removal and exchange procedures without the need for docking a guidewire extension. The catheter may be provided with one or more side access ports into the guidewire lumen which may include angled partitions to control guidewire routing. The guidewire may be threaded through the side access ports in a variety of manners as desired.