Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus to stretch one end of a catheter guide wire, and to secure the catheter guide wire in a dispenser tube is provided, including an introduction aid and a connection element. The introduction aid includes an elongate hollow element having an open distal end and an open proximal end, a cylindrical section having an undercut and a conical section tapering away from the cylindrical section. The cylindrical section contains a longitudinal U-shaped slit defining a flexible tongue, where the flexible tongue is adapted for pressing into the cylindrical section. The connection element includes a proximal connector, a tubular distal connector, and a central section between the proximal and distal connectors. The central section is open such that the guide wire is accessible, and includes an advancing surface. The proximal connector connects to the end of a catheter guide wire dispenser tube. The distal connector is adapted to be inserted into the cylindrical section such that the elongate hollow element and the connection element may move longitudinally relative to one another between first and second positions. A retaining device disposed on the distal connector grips the undercut around the cylindrical section in the second position. The flexible tongue is pressed into the distal connector to engage the catheter guide wire in the first position, and is released from the catheter guide wire in the second position.

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First Claim