Patent ID: 6702750
Filing Date: 2004-03-09
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
An elongated intravascular catheter assembly for performing intraluminal ultrasound procedures within a patient's cardiovascular system, comprising:a) an elongated catheter with a catheter shaft having proximal and distal ends, the catheter shaft having a distal shaft section configured for advancement within a patient's artery, a distal guidewire opening in the distal end of the catheter shaft, a proximal guidewire opening spaced a relatively short distance proximally from the distal guidewire opening and a relatively long distance from the proximal end of the catheter shaft, an inner lumen which extends between the distal guidewire opening and the proximal guidewire opening and which is configured to slideably receive a guidewire therein, wherein a portion of the inner lumen immediately adjacent to the proximal guidewire opening runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the catheter; b) a device on the distal shaft section to perform an intravascular ultrasound procedure; and c) a guidewire slideably disposed within the inner lumen of the elongated catheter and adapted to extend out of the distal end of the elongated catheter and into the patient's artery.