Tool and method for steering an angioplasty guide wire

摘要

Tool and method for turning or steering an angioplasty guide wire as it is inserted into the body of a patient. The tool has a body of resilient material with a slit in which the guide wire is received. The slit opens through the side of the body, and the tool can be attached to the wire from the side. An outer sleeve encircles the resilient body, with a slot through which the wire is inserted and removed, and the resilient body is compressed by the sleeve to hold the slit closed and grip the wire tightly. The wire is turned or steered by gripping the outer sleeve and rotating the tool about its axis.