Abstract: Apparatus for use in deploying medical devices. The apparatus includes a wire having a diameter such that the wire can appropriately be used with either a corresponding over-the-wire configured catheter or a rapid-exchange configured catheter. The wire has a location at which it can be easily fractured, when desired, in order to convert the length of the wire from a length for use in an over-the-wire configuration to a rapid-exchange configuration.

Abstract: A distal tip for use with a medical catheter. The tip includes a member having a wall which defines a lumen therewithin. The wall has a portion at a distal end thereof, the portion curving inwardly toward an axis of the lumen. The lumen is provided with a diameter adaptable to accommodate a device to be recovered therewithin.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of delivery catheter devices, procedures and interventions. In particular, the present invention provides a delivery catheter and a method for using a delivery catheter to deliver a distal protection device across a stenosis through use of a rapid exchange length guidewire. The delivery catheter comprises a catheter body having a first lumen receiving a guidewire reciprocating in the first lumen, a second lumen receiving a distal protection device reciprocating in the second lumen, and distal lumen connected to and in communication with the first lumen and second lumen.