Patent ID: 6461347
Filing Date: 2002-10-08
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A method of treating a patient, comprising the steps of:providing a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, a guidewire lumen and at least a second lumen extending therethrough, the catheter having a first outside diameter proximal to a transition and a second, smaller outside diameter distal to the transition, the transition positioned in between the proximal end and the distal end; positioning a distal end of a guidewire in the patient; advancing the catheter over the guidewire and into the patient; retracting the distal end of the guidewire to a position within the catheter at least as far as the transition; retaining both the guidewire lumen and the second lumen patent proximally of the transition; collapsing the guidewire lumen distally of the transition and opening the second lumen distally of the transition while maintaining the second diameter distal to the transition; and treating the patient through the second lumen.