Tool and method facilitating rapid pcta catheter exchange

Abstract

Apparatus for facilitating balloon catheter exchange in a vascular dilatation procedure using a balloon guidewire emplaced within the vascular system of a patient, and a balloon catheter defining an inflation lumen and a guidewire lumen and being attached at its proximal end to a hub. The apparatus includes a relatively short guidewire extension attached at its proximal end to a handle portion. The handle portion defines structure cooperative with the hub for facilitating sliding movement of the handle portion along the hub while the guidewire extension is at least partially inserted into the guidewire lumen. The handle portion is free to slide over the entire length of the hub and to slide off the hub in both proximal and distal directions. A guide element maintains the handle portion engaged for sliding movement along the balloon catheter. The guidewire lumen is slitted and the handle portion carries a separator for opening the slit in the region of the location of the handle portion. The guide element is separable from the handle portion and separates from the handle portion and docks at the distal end of the hub when the handle portion is slid past the hub's distal end in a proximal direction.