GUIDE WIRE RECEPTACLE FOR CATHETERS HAVING RIGID HOUSINGS

摘要

An ultrasonic imaging catheter comprises a flexible catheter body having a rigid housing at its distal end. A tapered flexible end piece is secured to the distal end of the rigid housing, and a flexible guide wire tube extends in parallel to both the housing and the flexible end piece from the catheter body. The guide wire tube defines a guide wire lumen capable of receiving a movable guide wire, and the combined structure of the housing, flexible end piece, and flexible guide wire tube minimize constriction of the guide wire as it passes through the guide wire lumen.