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.