Vascular access disassembling needle device and method

Abstract

A vascular access disassembling needle assemblyis provided that enables rapid insertion of a guide wire into the needle and subsequent rapid removal of the access needle off the guide wire by facile disassembly of the needle. The disassembling needle assemblyincludes a needle portionwherein the needle breaks apart by splitting along at least one seamthat extends from the proximal to the distal end to allow removal of the guide wire. Various mechanical features are described that can facilitate the separation of the needle body along at least one seam. Once one or more seams are separated, the needle body may be removed from the guide wire without the need to withdraw the needle along the length of the guide wire, which permits preloading of expanders and other medical devices onto the guidewire.