GUIDEWIRE REPLACEMENT DEVICE

摘要

A guidewire replacement device (10) having an elongated catheter shaft with an i nner lumen (15) extending within the catheter shaft, a proximal guidewire port (14) spaced at least 1 cm from the dis tal end of the catheter which is in fluid communication with the inner lumen and distal guidewire port in the distal end o f the catheter which is also in fluid communication with the inner lumen. The proximal end of an in-place guidewire (28) is inserted thro ugh the distal guidewire port (14) and advanced through the inner lumen until the proximal end of the guidewire extends through the proximal guidewire port. The exchange device is advanced over the guidewire. With the distal end of the exchange devic e well seated within the proximal guidewire port of the dilatation catheter (27), the in-place guidewire can be withdrawn from the p atient. A replacement guidewire (21) is advanced through the inner lumen of the exchange device.