Expandable sheath and system for intravascular insertion of a medical implement using the same

Abstract

The expandable sheath and system for intravascular insertion of a medical implement includes a cannula for entering a lumen of a vascular vessel of a patient, a guide wire insertable into the lumen, an introducer and dilator adapted to follow the guide wire into the lumen, an expandable sheath positioned on the introducer and dilator, with the expandable sheath being adapted to be positioned in the vessel, and an extension collar. The medical implement is received within the vessel by passing through the sheath upon separating the introducer and dilator therefrom. In one embodiment, a linear array of perforations formed through the expandable sheath allow for expansion. Alternatively, an external slit may be provided for selective expansion of the sheath.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 765,213, filed Feb. 15, 2013; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 791,748, filed Mar. 15, 2013; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 792,352, filed Mar. 15, 2013.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to medical devices, and particularly to an expandable sheath for insertion of an arterial catheter.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Less invasive medical procedures for various operations are, of course, highly desirable, as they result in less trauma for the patient, faster healing, less time spent in the hospital, less expense to the patient, and the ability for the patient to return to his or her work or normal lifestyle more rapidly. This is particularly true in cardiac procedures. If a surgical procedure can be accomplished without an open chest, or open-hear...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The expandable sheath is a flexible tubular member that can be placed in a patient's vessel to hold devices used in medical procedures. The sheath is made of a polymer material and has a wall with a unique inner design that allows it to expand and contract. The sheath can hold a variety of intravascular devices and has a linear array of small holes that allow for expansion. The technical effect of this design is a flexible and expandable sheath that can provide a safe and effective method for accessing the blood vessels of a patient during medical procedures.

Problems solved by technology

While this procedure is clearly less invasive than open chest surgery, the length of the catheter and sheath required, as well as the delicate manipulation of the catheter and sheath through such a relatively long pathway, make this a relatively intricate procedure.

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