Abstract: An introducer assembly (10) includes a catheter (12) having a proximal end (14), a distal end (16) extending to a distal tip of the introducer assembly, and an outer catheter wall. The catheter (12) includes a medical device holding portion (34) proximate the distal end, a guide wire lumen (100) extending between the proximal and distal ends, and a side opening (50) extending through the outer wall to the guide wire lumen. The side opening (50) and the guide wire lumen (100) are simultaneously open and the guide wire lumen and side opening are able to receive a guide wire therethrough. The catheter (12) is flexible at least in the location of the side opening, such that a guide wire (28) fed from the distal end (16) can pass through to the proximal end (14) when the catheter is substantially straight and can pass from the distal end through the side opening (50) when the catheter is curved at the location of the side opening.

Abstract: A supportive balloon catheter which may be used to assist a wire guide in advancing across a lesion which partially or totally occludes an intraluminal passage. The supportive balloon catheter is advanced over the wire guide, close to the location of the lesion. The supportive balloon catheter is then inflated, securing the position of the wire guide in the intraluminal passage. A braid on the catheter may provide additional structural support. The secured catheter restricts the movement of the wire guide advancing across the lesion, preventing kinking or deflection off the surface of the lesion. Once the wire guide has advanced across the lesion, the supportive balloon catheter or a different angioplasty may be used to clear the lesion from the intraluminal passage.

Abstract: A supportive balloon catheter which may be used to assist a wire guide in advancing across a lesion which partially or totally occludes an intraluminal passage. The supportive balloon catheter is advanced over the wire guide, close to the location of the lesion. The supportive balloon catheter is then inflated, securing the position of the wire guide in the intraluminal passage. A braid on the catheter may provide additional structural support. The secured catheter restricts the movement of the wire guide advancing across the lesion, preventing kinking or deflection off the surface of the lesion. Once the wire guide has advanced across the lesion, the supportive balloon catheter or a different angioplasty may be used to clear the lesion from the intraluminal passage.