| abstract |
The expandable catheter system includes a body and a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly extends past the distal end of the body. The shaft assembly includes a stationary guide member, a catheter shaft, an expander, a removable guide member, and a guide wire. The stationary guide member is fixed with respect to the body. The expander is secured to the catheter shaft. The catheter shaft is operable to expand the expander. The removable guide member is operable to selectively attach to the body. The catheter shaft is slidably disposed along the removable guide member such that the catheter shaft is configured to translate along the removable guide member. The guide wire is slidably disposed in the removable guide member. |