Patent ID: 7316655

Claim:
A catheter for directing a guidewire substantially laterally with respect to a body passage within which the catheter is introduced, comprising: an elongate member having proximal and distal ends, having a distal portion adapted for insertion within a body passage, and defining a longitudinal axis and an outer peripheral surface; a first lumen extending proximally from a first axial opening in the distal end; and a second lumen extending between the proximal end of the elongate member and a second lumen lateral opening in the distal portion proximate the distal end; wherein the distal portion comprises an angled step tapering to a distal tip, the second lumen lateral opening being located on the angled step; and a snaring member deployable from the second lumen lateral opening, said snaring member comprising a loop extending distally from the second lumen lateral opening and surrounding the distal portion of the elongate member such that as the snaring member is directed proximally and distally, the loop substantially engages and disengages, respectively, the outer surface of the elongate member.