US Patent 7323006 Rapid exchange interventional devices and methods

Wire-guided interventional devices and methods are provided which enable faster and easier catheter exchanges. The interventional devices include a catheter shaft and a guidewire tube wherein the catheter shaft and the guidewire tube each have a length sufficient to extend to the vascular penetration when the interventional device is positioned at the treatment site. In some embodiments, a collar is disposed around the catheter shaft and guidewire tube that automatically inserts or removes the guidewire from the guidewire tube or automatically collapses or extends the guidewire tube as the catheter is introduced or withdrawn.