Low profile introducer apparatus

摘要

An introducer apparatus includes an outer sleeve and an inner cannula received within the lumen of the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has a profile such that at least a portion of the distal end of the outer sleeve tapers in the distal direction at an angle not exceeding about 2° relative to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. The distal open end of the outer sleeve has a wall thickness not exceeding about 0.003 inch, and is sized such that a first wire guide is receivable therethrough. The inner cannula includes a tapered distal end portion. The inner cannula distal open end is sized such that a second wire guide is receivable therethrough, and the first wire guide is not receivable therethrough. The tapered distal portion of the inner cannula extends distal to the distal open end of the outer sleeve, such that a generally smooth diametrical transition is provided between the outer sleeve tapered portion and the open distal end of the inner cannula.

主权项

1. An introducer apparatus, comprising:
an outer sleeve having proximal and distal open ends, and having a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, said outer sleeve having a profile such that at least a portion of said outer sleeve tapers toward said outer sleeve distal end at an angle not exceeding about 2° relative to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus, said distal open end of said outer sleeve having a wall thickness not exceeding about 0.003 inch; and an inner cannula having proximal and distal open ends, and having a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, said inner cannula sized to be received within the lumen of said outer sleeve, said inner cannula having a portion that tapers toward the inner cannula distal end, said tapered distal portion of said inner cannula extending distal to the distal open end of said outer sleeve and having a profile such that a generally smooth and gradual diametrical transition is provided from the outer sleeve tapered portion and through said inner cannula open end; and wherein the greatest radial extent of the inner cannula is less than the inner diameter of the outer sleeve, wherein said outer sleeve tapered portion comprises between about the distal 5 and 50 mm of said outer sleeve, and wherein said outer sleeve has an outer diameter not exceeding about 6 French.