Abstract: In one instance, a catheter for replacing or adding a guide wire into a patient is provided. The catheter includes a first rapid exchange lumen, a second rapid exchange lumen, and a releasable wire-securing device. A second guide wire is placed in the second rapid exchange lumen and secured into position. The catheter is then advanced along the first guide wire until in position, and then the second guide wire is released from the wire-securing device and advanced into the desired position. The catheter is then removed. Other catheters and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one instance, a catheter for replacing or adding a guide wire into a patient is provided. The catheter includes a first rapid exchange lumen, a second rapid exchange lumen, and a releasable wire-securing device. A second guide wire is placed in the second rapid exchange lumen and secured into position. The catheter is then advanced along the first guide wire until in position, and then the second guide wire is released from the wire-securing device and advanced into the desired position. The catheter is then removed. Other catheters and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The dual mode catheter of the present invention combines an over-the-wire catheter with a MONORAIL (trademark) catheter to allow simultaneous use of and switching between the MONORAIL (trademark) and over-the-wire catheters in situ, for example to manipulate stents, balloons, other medical devices, or combinations thereof. Thus combined, the present invention allows greater control of the medical devices and the catheter by a single physician while simultaneously allowing distal injection of individual components such as iodinated contrast fluids or drugs. Other advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the medical arts such as reducing necessary exposure to radiation for both doctor and patient.