INTRODUCER SYSTEM HAVING KINK RESISTANT SPLITTABLE SHEATH

摘要

This invention relates to a flexible kink resistant introducer system for introducing an elongated object into the venous system and especially for introducing a cardiac pacemaker lead. The introducer system features a sheath having a kink resistant section allowing the sheath to be bent in that region and still allow a lead to be introduced therethrough. The kink resistant section comprises a series of bellows or pleats. The bellows or pleats may further be arranged to form a screw about a portion of the sheath to thereby permit the sheath to be screwed into body tissue. The sheath preferably is constructed to readily tear in a longitudinal direction and thus permits the system to be removed from the venous system without having to withdraw the sheath over an end of the pacemaker lead.