Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for treating occlusions. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an outer catheter shaft with at least one axial lumen therethrough, wherein the outer catheter shaft comprises a distal end having an outer diameter, and an inner catheter shaft having an average diameter slidably disposed in the at least one axial lumen of the outer catheter shaft. The inner catheter shaft comprises at least one axial lumen therethrough, and an a traumatic, tapered protuberance comprising a distal end and a proximal end, wherein a diameter of the a traumatic, tapered protuberance tapers upward from the average diameter at the distal end to a greatest diameter at the proximal end. The embodiment further comprises a guidewire slidably disposed in the at least one axial lumen of the inner catheter shaft, wherein the guidewire is advanced through the body lumen into the occlusion. When the outer catheter shaft is advanced distally to closely approach the proximal end of the atraumatic, tapered protuberance, the outer catheter shaft and the inner catheter shaft present a relatively smooth tapering surface to the occlusion such that the outer catheter shaft may enter the occlusion.

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First Claim