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US0O541356OA
United States Patent [19] [11] Patent Number: 5,413,560
Solar [45] Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
[54] METHOD OF RAPID CATHETER EXCHANGE
[75] Inventor: Ronald J. Solar, San Diego, Calif.
[73] Assignee: Pameda N.V., Netherlands Antilles
[21] Appl. No.: 966,693
[22] Filed: Oct. 26,1992
Related U.S. Application Data
[62] Division of Ser. No. 859,220, Mar. 30, 1992.
[51] Int. CI.* A61M 5/178; A61M 29/00;
A61F 2/06
[52] U.S. Q 604/164; 623/1;
604/96; 606/194
[58] Field of Search 606/191-199;
604/96, 164; 623/1
[56] References Cited
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FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS 0452901 10/1991 European Pat. Off. 606/194
Primary Examiner—Randall L. Green
Assistant Examiner—Elizabeth M. Burke
Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Cowan, Liebowitz & Latman
[57] ABSTRACT
The invention relates to a rapid exchange catheter system comprising a exchange member having proximal and distal ends, the distal end of the rigid shaft being integral with the proximal end of the exchange member, such that said shaft is adapted to advance the exchange member distally to a desired location wherein the exchange member is positioned concentrically to a catheter shaft.
7 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
