Patent ID: 6491646
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
An extension system for rotatively connecting a proximal end of a guidewire to a distal end of an extension wire, the system comprising:a) engagement means located on the proximal end of the guidewire; b) engagement means on the distal end of the extension wire; c) a cylindrical connector, the connector having a deformable body wall which defines: i) openings in each end of the connector; ii) a cavity extending between the openings; iii) oppositely pitched, exteriorly formed interior threads, the threads running at least a portion of the distance between said openings, the threads being adapted to cooperate with the respective engagement means of the guidewire and the extension wire so as to retain said engagement means within said connector; d) means for retaining the connector on one or the other of said guidewire or said extension wire, said means permitting said connector to be rotated with respect to the wire on which it is retained, whereby the guidewire engagement means and the extension wire engagement means may be coupled by inserting either of said engagement means into said connector and rotating said connector in a single direction.