Expandable introducer sheath
First Claim
1. An expandable introducer sheath for use in inserting a medical device into a body vessel of a patient comprising:
- a body extending from a proximal end to a distal end along an axis A;
said body including an inner layer, an outer layer, and an expandable reinforcement member disposed between said inner and outer layers;
said expandable reinforcement member configured to radially expand as the medical device is axially advanced or retracted through the introducer sheath; and
a protective sheath disposed in overlaying and surrounding relationship with said outer layer and radially expandable in conjunction with said outer layer and said expandable reinforcement member during axial movement of the medical device through the introducer sheath.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An expandable introducer sheath for use in inserting a medical device into a body vessel of a patient includes a body which extends from a proximal end to a distal end along an axis. The body includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and an expandable reinforcement member which is disposed between said inner and outer layers. The expandable reinforcement member is configured to radially expand as the medical device is axially advanced or retracted through said introducer sheath. Once the medical device has exited the introducer sheath, the expandable reinforcement member facilitates a return of the introducer sheath to its original or unexpanded condition.
21 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An expandable introducer sheath for use in inserting a medical device into a body vessel of a patient comprising:
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a body extending from a proximal end to a distal end along an axis A; said body including an inner layer, an outer layer, and an expandable reinforcement member disposed between said inner and outer layers; said expandable reinforcement member configured to radially expand as the medical device is axially advanced or retracted through the introducer sheath; and a protective sheath disposed in overlaying and surrounding relationship with said outer layer and radially expandable in conjunction with said outer layer and said expandable reinforcement member during axial movement of the medical device through the introducer sheath. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification