Importance

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Abstract

A guide wire system for use in catheter exchanges avoids the need for a separate exchange wire. Instead of the conventional practice in which the initial guide wire is removed and replaced with a longer exchange wire, a guide wire extension is attached to the proximal end of the initial guide wire thereby increasing its effective length so that it may be used to perform a catheter exchange. The initial guide wire remains in place in the patient's vasculature. The proximal end of the guide wire and the distal end of the exchange wire are formed to define a connection which may be crimped to effect the connection between the two wires. A crimping tool is provided to hold the mating ends of the guide wire and extension wire together while effecting the crimp.

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First Claim