Patent ID: 6231564
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A guidewire and storage system therefor for facilitating an over-the-wire catheter exchange comprising, in combination:an elongate flexible guidewire having a proximal end, a distal end, a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the guidewire is within a range on the order of 300 to 400 centimeters in length; anda compact storage receptacle wherein substantially all of said receptacle is capable of being held completely within the hand of a user, the compact storable receptacle retains the proximal portion of the guidewire in a tightly coiled configuration and is configured to enable the complete removal of the proximal portion therefrom,at least the distal portion of the guidewire being formed from a material having sufficient torsional rigidity so that rotation applied to the proximal end of the guidewire is transmitted controllably to the distal end enabling the guidewire to be steerable, andat least the proximal portion of the guidewire being formed from a material and being constructed so that upon removal from the receptacle, the proximal portion of the guidewire will return substantially to its elongate, uncoiled configuration.