Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter system useful in treating lower extremity arterial chronic total occlusion (CTO). More particularly, the catheter system includes a first catheter having a first lumen extending therethrough, and a second catheter having a second lumen extending therethrough. The second catheter includes an engaging mechanism, such as an inflatable balloon, for engaging at least a portion of the first catheter such that a guide wire can be fed from the first lumen of the first catheter to the second lumen of the second catheter. In use, the first catheter is advanced to a treatment site through a vascular body from a downstream side of the treatment site. The second catheter is also advanced to the treatment site through the vascular body from an upstream side of the treatment site. The second catheter is engaged with the first catheter within the vascular body. The guide wire is then fed from the first catheter into the second catheter.

Abstract: A system for the treatment of lower extremity arterial chronic total occlusion (CTO) incorporates remote access of the guide-wire, at least one specifically shaped catheter, and a wire-capture dilation balloon catheter. A capture balloon catheter serves to capture the wire used to traverse the CTO. The capture balloon has a lumen with two axial openings and a radial opening. The capture balloon enters the vascular body from a first opening along a first guide-wire until the balloon is adjacent the CTO. A second guide-wire is advanced from a second opening in the vascular body that is located on an opposite side of the CTO. After the first guide-wire is removed, the second guide-wire is advanced through the funnel-shaped opening in the balloon, then through the radial opening of the lumen and through the lumen so as to advance out of the first opening of the vascular body. A conventional treatment balloon can then be advanced on the second guide-wire to the CTO for treatment.