Patent ID: 6685721
Filing Date: 2004-02-03
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A readily exchangeable dilatation catheter suitable for performing angioplasty procedures within a patient's artery which permits the exchange of a guidewire during an angioplasty procedure, comprising:a) an elongated catheter body having proximal and distal ends, a first lumen adapted to receive a guidewire and extending within the catheter body to the distal end thereof and a second lumen adapted to direct inflation fluid therethrough and extending parallel to and offset from the first lumen within the catheter body to a distal portion thereof; b) an inflatable member on a distal portion of the catheter body having an interior in fluid communication with the second lumen; c) a first guidewire port in the catheter body being located at or near the proximal end of the catheter body and being in communication with the first lumen; d) a second guidewire port in a wall of the catheter body being spaced proximally from the inflatable member and distally a substantial distance from the proximal end and being in communication with the first lumen; e) a third guidewire port in the distal end of the catheter body distal to the inflatable member which is in communication with the first lumen; and f) means on the proximal end of the catheter body to direct inflation fluid to the interior of the inflatable member through the second lumen; wherein a slit is provided through the wall of the catheter body which extends between the first and the second guidewire ports and which is in communication with the first lumen.