SHEATH OR CATHETER FOR MEDICAL INTRODUCER ASSEMBLY

摘要

An introducer assembly provided with a sheath formed of a plurality of elongate sections which are coupled to one another along their longitudinal sides by a dovetail coupling. The sheath sections are slidable longitudinally relative to one another, enabling the sheath to be retracted in stages. This reduces the amount of friction which must be overcome in the use of the sheath and in particular during the deployment of a medical device carried within the sheath. The structure can also substantially increase the precision of deployment of the medical device, as well as decreasing the force required during the deployment operation.

主权项

1. A catheter for a medical introducer assembly including a plurality of elongate sections each having first and second longitudinal sides and couplings at said first and second longitudinal sides, said elongate sections being connected together by said couplings to form the catheter, said couplings allowing longitudinal movement of elongate sections coupled thereby, such that the elongate sections are movable relative to one another.