Crossing catheter system for crossing chronic total occlusion and a method for operating the crossing catheter system

A crossing catheter system for crossing a chronic total occlusion comprising:

• a support catheter defining a lumen configured to receive a dilator, the support catheter comprising a distal support catheter end, a proximal support catheter end and a support catheter shaft extending between the support catheter distal end and the support catheter proximal end;
• a dilator at least partially arranged within the lumen, the dilator comprising a distal dilator end, a proximal dilator end and a dilator shaft extending between the distal dilator end and the proximal dilator end, wherein the distal dilator end is connected or connectable to the dilator shaft wherein the distal dilator end comprises a proximal and a distal segment, wherein the proximal segment configured to be connectable to the dilator shaft;
• wherein the proximal segment has a uniform radial circumference, and wherein the radial circumference of the distal segment is smaller than the radial circumference of the proximal segment;
• and
• a locking handle for locking the dilator in a plurality of defined positions within the lumen of the support catheter shaft, wherein the locking handle is arranged at the proximal support catheter end or the support catheter shaft, wherein the plurality of defined positions include a first position wherein distal dilator end extends distally from the distal support catheter end to perform crossing using only the dilator and second position wherein the distal dilator end is locked within the distal support catheter end to perform crossing with the combined column strength of the support catheter and the dilator with increased pushability compared to the first position.