Reduced-friction catheter introducer and method of manufacturing and using the same

摘要

Tear-away and non-tear-away sheath introducers for catheters, methods for making such introducers, and methods for using such introducers are described. The sheath introducers contain movable valves that are encapsulated in a movable housing that allows the valve to move along the axis of the introducer. As the movable valve and housing travel along the axis, a portion of the hub protrudes past the valve and is exposed. As well, the sheath introducers can also contain a stationary valve and housing that can be opened to expose a portion of the hub when a conduit penetrates the stationary valve. In both instances, the protruding portion of the hub contains a friction-free pathway for a catheter into the sheath introducer. The introducers can therefore be used with any catheter, regardless of the size or material, because of the reduced or eliminated frictional force between the catheter and introducer.

主权项

1. A sheath introducer, comprising:
a splittable sheath extending from a sheath hub; a valve housing coupled to the sheath hub, a stationary valve positioned within the valve housing, the valve housing comprising:
a continuous inner surface defining a lumen;an outer wall enclosing the entire lumen; anda proximal opening; and a conduit member having a cylindrical portion, the conduit member movable within the valve housing from a first position in which a proximal section of the conduit member extends outside of the proximal opening of the valve housing and the valve is closed to a second position in which a distal end of the conduit member penetrates the valve to open the valve and the proximal section of the conduit member and the cylindrical portion is positioned substantially within the valve housing.