A deliver assist device for use in combination with a guide catheter includes an elongate proximal shaft and a flexible distal section that extends distally from the elongate proximal shaft. The flexible distal section includes at least a first portion having a first flexibility and a second portion having a second flexibility. A lumen configured to accommodate a guidewire extending therethrough extends through the flexible distal section. A tapered distal tip extends distally from the flexible distal section.