Patent ID: 6159195
Filing Date: 2000-12-12
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A catheter exchange method, comprising:introducing a guidewire having a proximal end and a distal end into the vasculature of a patient until the distal end of the guidewire is near to an occlusion in the vasculature;providing an exchange catheter comprising an elongate catheter shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one lumen adapted to allow an occlusive device to pass therethrough, wherein the exchange catheter includes at least one slit in the distal end;delivering the exchange catheter over the guidewire until the distal end of the exchange catheter is near to the occlusion;removing the guidewire from the patient;inserting an occlusion catheter having a proximal end, a distal end and an occlusive device on the distal end thereof into the lumen of the exchange catheter and advancing the occlusion catheter until the occlusive device passes through the distal end of the exchange catheter and is positioned near to the occlusion, wherein passing the occlusion catheter through the distal end of the exchange catheter causes the distal end of the exchange catheter to expand; andremoving the exchange catheter from the patient.