Importance

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Abstract

Designs and methods for devices that prevent accidental or inadvertent lateral removal of a guidewire from the guidewire entry tool of a rapid exchange catheter. A first device takes the form of a funnel sized and shaped to slide into the guidewire entry tool. Another illustrative device is shaped and adapted to slide into the guidewire exit slot of the guidewire entry tool, blocking the slot until the converter is removed. In further embodiments, guidewire entry tools include a guidewire exit slot allowing for selective movement of a guidewire laterally from within a catheter. The slot may be designed with structures adapted to prevent inadvertent lateral movement of a guidewire from within the slot. The slot may be formed in a zigzag shape or may include a number of protrusions. Alternatively, the guidewire entry tool may include a split ring that rotates from a first position to a second position, the first position allowing lateral removal of a guidewire and the second position preventing such removal.

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First Claim