Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for performing an angioplasty of a patient's carotid artery includes a placement of a first elongated positioning catheter having a lumen and proximal and distal end portions within a patient's body so that the distal end portion of the positioning catheter occupies a position within the patient's aorta next to the patient's selected carotid artery. The distal end portion of the positioning catheter is curved with a radius of curvature of about 2 cm, for example, and provides a soft distal tip. Using fluoroscopy, a user can manipulate, rotate, and position the positioning catheter until the distal tip enters the carotid artery. A guide wire is then advanced through the lumen of the positioning catheter until the free end portion of the wire reaches the distal tip of the positioning catheter and enters the selected carotid artery. A second catheter is advanced over the positioning catheter, the second catheter being a guiding catheter having a distal end portion. The distal end portion of the guiding catheter is shaped to provide two curved sections or bends. The distal end portion of the guiding catheter includes a central section and a pair of opposed sections. The two bends or curved portions form respective connections between the central section and each of the opposed sections.

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First Claim