Side Loading Wire Torquing Device

Abstract

A side loading, wire torquing device includes a body portion having a channel in which a wire is fitted. In one embodiment, a slider is movable along the channel to secure the wire between the slider and the fixed surface in the channel such that rotation of the torquing device rotates the wire therein. In another embodiment of the invention, the torquing device includes a bottom and top section folded over a wire. In another embodiment, the channels impart a bend to the wire to increase the effective torque that can be applied to the wire by rotating the device. In yet another embodiment, the torquing device has a tapered shape and includes a ring that is slideable over the device to compress a wire in a channel. In all embodiments, the torquing device may include a clip to secure several looped coils of wire when not in use.

1 . A device for applying torque to a guidewire, comprising:
 a body having a guidewire channel formed therein that extends along the length of the body, the channel having open ends on opposite sides of the body;   wherein the body is configured to shift between a first generally uncompressed configuration and a second generally compressed configuration;   wherein a guidewire disposed in the channel is freely slidable therein when the body is in the first configuration;   wherein the guidewire disposed in the channel is securely held in the channel when the body is shifted to the second configuration; and   a ring disposed about the body for shifting the body between the first and the second configuration.   
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the body is formed from a flexible plastic. 
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the body includes polyethylene, polyurethane, or a thermoplastic material. 
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the body has a first end having a first outer dimension and a second end having a second outer dimension greater than the first outer dimension. 
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the body is tapered. 
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the channel is substantially U-shaped. 
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the ring has an opening formed therein. 
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the ring includes a handle. 
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the ring includes a grip. 
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the ring shifts the body between the first configuration and the second configuration by sliding the ring longitudinally along the body. 
   
   
       11 . A clamshell device for applying torque to a guidewire, comprising:
 a body having a lower section and an upper section;   wherein the lower section and the upper section are attached by a hinge and are foldable over a guidewire disposed between the lower section and the upper section;   a lower guidewire opening formed in the lower section; and   an upper guidewire opening formed in the upper section.   
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the lower section has a length and wherein the lower guidewire opening extends along the entire length of the lower section. 
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the upper section has a length and wherein the upper guidewire opening extends along the entire length of the upper section. 
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the lower guidewire opening and the upper guidewire opening are aligned when the lower section and the upper section are folded over the guidewire. 
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the lower guidewire opening and the upper guidewire opening are curved. 
   
   
       16 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein upper section includes an upper arcuate support disposed adjacent to the upper guidewire opening and wherein the lower section includes a lower arcuate support disposed adjacent to the lower guidewire opening. 
   
   
       17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the upper arcuate support is disposed within the lower guidewire opening when the lower section and the upper section are folded over the guidewire. 
   
   
       18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the lower arcuate support is disposed within the upper guidewire opening when the lower section and the upper section are folded over the guidewire. 
   
   
       19 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein at least one of the upper guidewire opening and the lower guidewire opening has a grip enhancing material disposed therein. 
   
   
       20 . A clip assembly for maintaining a guidewire in a coiled configuration, comprising:
 a first jaw member;   a second jaw member;   a clip securing the first jaw member with the second jaw member;   wherein the first jaw member and the second jaw member are configured to be disposed around a plurality of coils formed in a guidewire; and   a guidewire torquing device for applying torque to the guidewire secured to the clip assembly.