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Sheath introduction apparatus and method

  • US 8,753,368 B2
  • Filed: 02/23/2011
  • Issued: 06/17/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/22/2002
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A sheath system for enabling access through an opening in the body of a patient, the sheath system comprising:

  • a dilation assembly having a radially expandable tubular sheath defining a lumen having a first cross-sectional area when in a non-expanded condition, and a handle assembly operatively coupled to a proximal end of the tubular sheath;

    a fluid delivery system supported on the dilation assembly, the fluid delivery system defining a fluid passage extending through the handle assembly of the dilation assembly, wherein an inlet of the fluid passage is located on an outer surface of the handle assembly and an outlet of the fluid passage opens into the lumen of the dilation assembly; and

    an expansion assembly including a tubular member defining a lumen having a second cross-sectional area which is larger than the first cross-sectional area of the tubular sheath of the dilation assembly, the tubular member having an outer surface defining a first thread formed along substantially an entire length of the tubular member from a location at least in close proximity to a distal end of the tubular member to a location in close proximity to a proximal end of the tubular member, wherein the first thread of the tubular member of the expansion assembly tents the radially expandable tubular sheath of the dilation assembly radially away from the tubular member to thereby define a helical passageway therearound for communicating a fluid from outside a target surgical site to the target surgical site.

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