Sheathless guide, rapid exchange dilator and associated methods

SHEATHLESS GUIDE, RAPID EXCHANGE DILATOR AND ASSOCIATED METHODS Dilators, such as rapid exchange dilators, configured for percutaneous access are disclosed. The dilator (100) may be configured to be disposable within, or couplable with, a catheter. In some embodiments, the dilator (100), 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 (100) may comprise a plug (114) such that a guide wire may be directed from a distal end (106) of the dilator (100) through a port (110), such as a rapid exchange port, in a sidewall of the dilator. The plug (114) may also be configured to permit passage of fluid through a lumen (108) of the dilator (100) while inhibiting passage of the guide wire through a length of the dilator (100).