Controlled guide wire resistance washer for guide catheter exchange

Abstract

A device and method for exchanging guide catheters over a guide wire, while maintaining the position of the guide wire within a patient. One guide catheter exchange device includes an elongate shaft and a distally tapering tube disposed at the distal end of the shaft. The tube includes a guide wire lumen and a controlled resistance washer having an aperture disposed in line with the guide wire lumen. One controlled resistance washer is formed of a resilient material and has an aperture with a central hole and four radial slits. The radial slits form control flaps which have, in a relaxed state, a minimum inside dimension less than the outside diameter of the guide wire to be received. While receiving a guide wire, the control flaps are in a flexed state and exert a static frictional force on the guide wire. The exerted frictional force inhibits longitudinal movement of the guide wire. Guide wire movement could otherwise be result from frictional forces caused by proximally retracting the guide catheter over the guide wire.