Importance

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Abstract

A convertible intravascular catheter assembly having a single proximal lumen while incorporating the benefits of a single operator exchange catheter and an over-the-wire catheter. The catheter includes a first elongate shaft having a lumen therethrough for slidably receiving a guide wire or stylet. The first elongate shaft extends the length of the catheter, while a second elongate shaft is coaxially disposed over a distal portion of the first elongate shaft to form a second lumen therebetween. An inflatable balloon is sealingly connected proximate the distal end of the second elongate shaft, and sealingly connected proximate the distal end of the second elongate shaft. A fluid connection communication between the first lumen and second lumen are provided and the seal assembly is disposed within the first lumen distal of the means for fluid communication. An intermediate guide wire port is provided distal of the seal assembly and the combination allows the use of a single lumen proximal of the seal assembly to operate both as an inflation lumen and a guide wire lumen when used in the over-the-wire mode.

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First Claim