Rapid exchange catheters usable with embolic protection devices

A sheath for use during a medical procedure, comprising:

• a tubular member defining a longitudinal axis, and having a proximal end, a proximal end port longitudinally accessible from the proximal end of the tubular member, a distal end, and an outer wall defining a lumen extending through the tubular member, the lumen being in communication with an opening at the distal end of the tubular member, the outer wall including a side port extending radially therethrough with respect to the longitudinal axis, the side port being spaced proximally from the opening at the distal end of the tubular member, the side port defining a point at which the lumen opens to an environment surrounding the sheath;
• a guidewire configured for passage through the opening at the distal end of the tubular member, through the lumen of the tubular member, and through the side port, wherein the outer wall of the tubular member includes a slot formed therein, the slot being in communication with the side port, and extending proximally therefrom, the slot extending to the proximal end port of the tubular member;
• an elongate member at least partially disposed in the lumen of the tubular member;
• and
• an embolic protection device supported on a distal portion of the elongate member.