A method and apparatus for introducing a first elongate
medical device and short wire guide that are coupled together into a
work site and remotely disconnecting them within the
work site such that a secondary device comprising a
catheter member can be introduced over the wire guide to the
work site, and / or a second wire guide can be introduced to the work site via a passageway of the primary access device. A separating member may be provided to remotely separate the wire guide from the elongate
medical device. A
system of indicia, such as radiopaque or viewable markers, permits the operator to monitor the relative alignment of the devices within the work site to determine when uncoupling has occurred. In one example of the method, a wire guide and primary access device (e.g., a sphincterotome) is coupled to the wire guide and introduced via a duodenoscope into the biliary
system. After performing a first medical operation, the devices are uncoupled with the wire guide being left within the biliary
system such that a secondary access device, such as a
balloon,
biopsy device,
stent delivery
catheter,
dilator, etc., can be introduced to perform a second medical operation without a traditional over-the-wire exchange being required. In another example of the method, a
prosthesis, such as a valve or
stent, is placed within the work site coupled to a wire guide which is remotely disconnected within the work site and a secondary device, such as a dilation
balloon or second
prosthesis, is introduced into the work site after the first
delivery system is removed.