Guide extension catheter
Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guide extension catheter. The guide extension catheter may include a push member having a proximal portion with a proximal stiffness, a distal portion with a distal stiffness different from the proximal stiffness, and a transition portion disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The transition portion may provide a smooth transition between the proximal stiffness and the distal stiffness. The push member may have a first outer diameter. A distal tubular member may be attached to the push member. The distal tubular member may have a second outer diameter larger than the first outer diameter.
1. A guide extension catheter, comprising:
a push member having a proximal portion with a proximal stiffness, a distal portion with a distal stiffness different from the proximal stiffness, and a transition portion disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion;
wherein the transition portion provides a smooth transition between the proximal stiffness and the distal stiffness;
wherein the transition portion of the push member comprises a curved ribbon having a length and an arcuate cross-sectional profile that tapers along the length of the curved ribbon;
wherein the proximal portion of the push member has a first outer diameter;
a distal tubular member attached to the push member and extending distally from the push member; and
wherein the distal tubular member has a second outer diameter larger than the first outer diameter.
2. The guide extension catheter of claim 1 , wherein the proximal portion of the push member is tubular and defines a lumen.
3. The guide extension catheter of claim 1 , wherein the transition portion includes a taper.
4. The guide extension catheter of claim 1 , wherein the proximal portion of the push member includes a T-shaped region with a T-shape, wherein the distal portion of the push member includes a ribbon region with a ribbon shape, and wherein the transition portion transitions the shape of the push member from the T-shape to the ribbon shape.
5. The guide extension catheter of claim 1 , wherein the distal portion of the push member includes a cutout region.
6. A guide extension catheter system, the system comprising:
a proximal shaft including a ribbon having opposite sides defining a rail member;
wherein the proximal shaft has an outer diameter;
a removable push member releasably attached to the proximal shaft and coupled to the rail member, the removable push member including an opening sized to accommodate the ribbon;
a distal sheath coupled to the proximal shaft; and
wherein the distal sheath has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the proximal shaft.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the removable push member includes a tube disposed over the ribbon.
8. The system of claim 6 , wherein the removable push member has a zip seam formed therein that is positioned adjacent to the opening.
9. The system of claim 6 , wherein the proximal shaft includes a projection and wherein the projection defines the rail member.
10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the projection extends along the full length of the proximal shaft.
11. The system of claim 9 , wherein the projection extends along only a portion of the length of the proximal shaft.
12. The system of claim 6 , wherein the proximal shaft includes a proximal tubular portion and a distal tubular portion extending within the distal sheath.
13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the distal tubular portion has an outer diameter that is less than an outer diameter of the proximal tubular portion.