Abstract: Split support catheters, loading tools, and methods of use are disclosed. A support catheter can include an elongate tubular member and a push member. The tubular member can comprise a longitudinal slit configured to accommodate the exchange of various interventional devices into and out of the lumen defined by the tubular member. A loading tool can comprise a body member, a rod member, or both and can facilitate loading of the support catheter onto one or more interventional devices during a medical procedure. The support catheters can provide intravascular support to various interventional devices and can advantageously be inserted and removed without first removing an interventional device having its distal end at or near a target site within a patient's vasculature.

Abstract: Catheters and methods for supporting a guidewire or delivering a radiopaque, diagnostic or therapeutic agent through a vessel stenosis or other tortuous anatomy are disclosed. A catheter can comprise an elongate shaft body and a tip member disposed at a distal end of the shaft body. The shaft body can extend from a proximal end to the distal end and can define an inner lumen. The shaft body can include a liner, a braid member surrounding the liner, a multi-layer coil surrounding the braid member, and a polymer cover surrounding the multi-layer coil. An outer surface portion of the polymer cover can include one or more helical threads, which can be enveloped in an outer wrapper. The tip member can be made from a metal or a polymer. Polymer tip members can include a hard or semi-hard distal tip.

Abstract: Catheters and methods for supporting a guidewire or delivering a radiopaque, diagnostic or therapeutic agent through a vessel stenosis or other tortuous anatomy are disclosed. A catheter can comprise an elongate shaft body and a tip member disposed at a distal end of the shaft body. The shaft body can extend from a proximal end to the distal end and can define an inner lumen. The shaft body can include a liner, a braid member surrounding the liner, a multi-layer coil surrounding the braid member, and a polymer cover surrounding the multi-layer coil. An outer surface portion of the polymer cover can include one or more helical threads, which can be enveloped in an outer wrapper. The tip member can be made from a metal or a polymer. Polymer tip members can include a hard or semi-hard distal tip.

Abstract: Catheters and methods for supporting a guidewire or delivering a radiopaque, diagnostic or therapeutic agent through a vessel stenosis or other tortuous anatomy are disclosed. A catheter can comprise an elongate shaft body and a tip member disposed at a distal end of the shaft body. The shaft body can extend from a proximal end to the distal end and can define an inner lumen. The shaft body can include a liner, a braid member surrounding the liner, a multi-layer coil surrounding the braid member, and a polymer cover surrounding the multi-layer coil. An outer surface portion of the polymer cover can include one or more helical threads, which can be enveloped in an outer wrapper. The tip member can be made from a metal or a polymer. Polymer tip members can include a hard or semi-hard distal tip.

Abstract: Catheters and methods for supporting a guidewire or delivering a radiopaque, diagnostic or therapeutic agent through a vessel stenosis or other tortuous anatomy are disclosed. A catheter can comprise an elongate shaft body and a tip member disposed at a distal end of the shaft body. The shaft body can extend from a proximal end to the distal end and can define an inner lumen. The shaft body can include a liner, a braid member surrounding the liner, a multi-layer coil surrounding the braid member, and a polymer cover surrounding the multi-layer coil. An outer surface portion of the polymer cover can include one or more helical threads, which can be enveloped in an outer wrapper. The tip member can be made from a metal or a polymer. Polymer tip members can include a hard or semi-hard distal tip.