Patent ID: 7682365
Filing Date: 2010-03-23
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A catheter device for selectively aiding a guidewire in crossing a lesion in a body vessel, the catheter device comprising: an elongate flexible outer tubular member that is capable of being navigated through a patient's vasculature to the lesion in the body vessel, the outer tubular member having a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof, the distal end of the outer tubular member having a tapered portion wherein at least an inner diameter of the outer tubular member tapers toward the distal end; and a guidewire gripping member slidably disposed within the lumen of the outer tubular member, the guidewire gripping member having a guidewire lumen for slidably receiving a guidewire and a distal end with a plurality of longitudinal slots defining fingers therein, wherein a diameter of the distal end of the guidewire gripping member is reduced when the guidewire gripping member is advanced distally within the tapered portion of the outer tubular member such that the fingers of the guidewire gripping member grip the guidewire to thereby prevent movement of the guidewire relative to the catheter device.