A rapid exchange fluid jet thrombectomy device for removal of thrombus or unwanted tissue debris from a vein, artery or the like. The device includes a semi-rigid intermediate tube between a proximal and a distal exhaust tube which accommodates a guidewire tube exit located along the catheter at less than one-half the length of the catheter measured from the catheter most distal point. Such a location of the guidewire is convenient for maneuvering and longitudinal advancement of the guidewire, as well as maneuvering and longitudinal advancement of the catheter by one practitioner.

A rapid exchange stent delivery catheter which includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member slidably disposed thereon. The inner tubular member and the outer tubular member have rapid exchange type guide wire openings. The guide wire opening of the outer tubular member is preferably shorter in length than the guide wire opening of the inner tubular member to protect the inner workings of the catheter. The outer tubular member may include a guide wire access sleeve having a guide wire ramp extending into the guide wire lumen of the inner tubular member. The guide wire sleeve may be a separate component from the remainder of the outer tubular member to facilitate efficient manufacture.

A rapid exchange stent delivery catheter which includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member slidably disposed thereon. The inner tubular member and the outer tubular member have rapid exchange type guide wire openings. The guide wire opening of the outer tubular member is preferably shorter in length than the guide wire opening of the inner tubular member to protect the inner workings of the catheter. The outer tubular member may include a guide wire access sleeve having a guide wire ramp extending into the guide wire lumen of the inner tubular member. The guide wire sleeve may be a separate component from the remainder of the outer tubular member to facilitate efficient manufacture.

A rapid exchange stent delivery catheter includes an inner tubular member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a stent holding portion located adjacent the distal portion of the inner member, and a guide wire lumen extending from a proximal guide wire opening disposed distal of the proximal portion of the inner member to a distal guide wire opening disposed at a distal end of the inner member. The proximal guide wire opening has a first length. An outer tubular member is slidably disposed about the inner member. The outer member has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a guide wire opening disposed distal of the proximal portion of the outer member. The guide wire opening of the outer member has a second length that is shorter than the first length and a guide wire ramp extends into, and is movable along the first length.

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.