Ultrasonic imaging catheter with guidewire channel

摘要

Intravascular catheters including both a flexible catheter body and a less flexible housing mounted at a distal end of the catheter body are provided with a flexible distal tip, preferably having a conical geometry. Guidewire channel or lumen is formed within the tip, and optionally additional guidewire lumens are formed in the housing or the distal end of the catheter body, or both. The catheters may thus be inserted and withdrawn over a guidewire without the need for the entire length of the catheter to pass over the guidewire.