Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
Sheathless guide, rapid exchange dilator and associated methods

Abstract:

Dilators, such as rapid exchange dilators, configured for percutaneous access are disclosed. The dilator may be configured to be disposable within, or couplable with, a catheter. In some embodiments, the dilator, or the coupled dilator and the catheter, may be configured such that a sheath is not required for percutaneous access. In other embodiments, the dilator may comprise a plug such that a guide wire may be directed from a distal end of the dilator through a port, such as a rapid exchange port, in a sidewall of the dilator. The plug may also be configured to permit passage of fluid through a lumen of the dilator while inhibiting passage of the guide wire through a length of the dilator.