| abstract |
A catheter for controlling the advancement of a guide wire includes a catheter body having a central lumen, a first side lumen and a second side lumen. A pair of opposing control wires extend the length of the catheter body through the side lumens. The catheter body includes a proximal portion coupled to a less rigid distal portion. A control handle coupled to the proximal ends of the control wires produces opposing motion of the control wires along the length of the catheter body, causing the distal portion of the catheter body to deflect relative to the proximal portion of the catheter body, thus directing the guide wire. In one embodiment, the control handle includes a guide wire advancement mechanism for controlling the advancement of the guide wire through the catheter. |