Apparatus and method for steering a guidewire and connecting to an extension guidewire
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Abstract
An apparatus for steering a guidewire and for connecting the guidewire to an extension guidewire. The apparatus includes a steering device for gripping an exterior of the guidewire, the steering device defining a passageway therein through which the guidewire may pass; and a connecting device for connecting the guidewire to the extension guidewire. The connecting device is configured for mating with the steering device to form an integral unit. The invention further includes a method of inserting a guidewire in a body and connecting the guidewire to an extension guidewire. The method includes the steps of: providing an integral guidewire holder and tool for connecting a guidewire to an extension guidewire; gripping the guidewire with the integral guidewire holder; inserting the guidewire into a body lumen; displacing the integral guidewire holder and tool relative to the guidewire so that the proximal end of the guidewire is located in a slot of the integral guidewire holder and tool; inserting an extension guidewire into the slot of the integral guidewire holder and tool; and connecting the guidewire to the extension guidewire. The method further includes the step of aligning the guidewire and extension guidewire in the slot prior to the connecting step.
21 Citations
45 Claims
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1-27. -27. (canceled)
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28. A method of connecting a guidewire to an extension guidewire, comprising the steps of:
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providing an integral guidewire holder and tool for connecting a guidewire to an extension guidewire;
gripping the guidewire with the integral guidewire holder and tool by moving one portion of the integral guidewire holder and tool relative to another portion of the integral guidewire holder and tool, wherein the relative movement is about a longitudinal axis of the guidewire;
positioning the guidewire and the extension guidewire in the integral guidewire holder and tool; and
connecting the guidewire to the extension guidewire. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)
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Specification