Expandable Percutaneous Sheath

摘要

Disclosed is an expandable percutaneous sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration by a tubular restraint. In one application, the sheath is utilized to provide access for a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure such as percutaneous nephrostomy or urinary bladder access.

主权项

1. A percutaneous access sheath for providing minimally invasive access for percutaneous nephrostomy or bladder access comprising an elongate tubular structure, at least a portion of said elongate tubular structure being expandable from a first, smaller cross-sectional profile to a second, greater cross-sectional profile, and a releasable jacket carried by the access sheath to restrain at least a portion of said elongate tubular structure in said first, smaller cross-sectional profile.