Abstract: A mechanical rapid exchange device is provided which plastically deforms a guidewire and constrains the guidewire in a non-linear configuration such that a catheter may be moved relatively proximally or distally over the guidewire to facilitate catheter exchange. The device generally includes a housing having a channel along a length of one side of the housing, a central first punch movable between a first position in which the first punch is located substantially to one side of the channel and a second position in which it extends at least partially into the channel, lateral second and third punches movable between a respective first position in which they are located to the other side of the channel and a respective second position in which they extend at least partially into the channel. The device also includes a handle attached via levers to the second and third punches such that when the handle is actuated, the second and third punches are moved into the second position.