Importance

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Abstract

This invention is directed to a diagnostic sheath device which is adapted to facilitate atraumatic navigation of intravascular catheters along vascular pathways. The sheath consists of an elongated flexible shaft, having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the shaft is hemispherically-shaped or elongated. A guide wire lumen extends through the shaft, from the proximal end to the distal end, for receiving a guide wire. At least one dye-injection lumen extends through the elongated shaft from the proximal end and joins the guide wire lumen at a point near the distal end of the shaft to provide fluid communication between the injection lumen and the guide wire lumen. The shaft is slidably inserted through the hollow interior of a guide catheter so that the hemispherically-shaped or elongated distal end of the shaft extends beyond the distal end of the guide catheter. Thus, the hemispherically-shaped or elongated distal end cooperates with the guide catheter body to provide a smooth rounded catheter tip which, when advanced along the patient's vasculature, reduces the risk of causing trauma to the blood vessel, freeing plaque from the vessel wall, or creating embolisms in the bloodstream.

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First Claim