Abstract: A catheter and method of using same for support or exchange of a guidewire during a percutaneous procedure which has at least one lumen in an elongate shaft with a proximal port and a distal port in fluid communication via an inner lumen. The catheter has a longitudinal slit in the inner lumen beginning at the proximal end of the elongate shaft and extends distally. An elongate support member is secured to the elongate shaft to provide axial rigidity to the catheter. Optionally, a second inner lumen is disposed within the elongate shaft adjacent the aforementioned inner lumen which has an intermediate port disposed distally of the proximal end of the elongate shaft.

Abstract: A regrooming device for a balloon catheter, comprising a tubular member having a proximal section, a distal section, and an inner lumen extending therein configured to receive a balloon of a balloon catheter; and a mandrel disposed within the inner lumen and having a proximal end configured to enter a guide wire lumen at a distal section of the balloon catheter to facilitate guiding the distal section of the catheter into the inner lumen of the regrooming device, and a distal end secured to the distal section of the tubular member.