EXPANDABLE SHEATH FOR INTRODUCING AN ENDOVASCULAR DELIVERY DEVICE INTO A BODY

摘要

Embodiments of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such embodiments can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some embodiments can include a sheath with inner and outer layers, where a folded portion of the inner layer extends through a slit in the outer layer and a portion of the outer layer overlaps the folded portion of the inner layer. Some embodiments include an elastic outer cover positioned outside the outer layer. Embodiments of the present expandable sheath can avoid the need for multiple insertions for the dilation of the vessel, thus offering advantages over prior art introducer sheaths.

主权项

1. A method of inserting a prosthetic device into a blood vessel of a patient, the method comprising:
inserting a sheath at least partially into the blood vessel of the patient, the sheath comprising an inner layer defining a lumen therethrough and at least one longitudinal pleat, the sheath further comprising an outer layer having a circumferentially discontinuous portion extending at least partially along the length of the outer layer to facilitate radial expansion of the sheath, the circumferentially discontinuous portion having a first longitudinal edge portion and a second longitudinal edge portion; and advancing a prosthetic device through the lumen of the sheath so as to cause the sheath to locally expand from the non-expanded configuration to the expanded configuration from the outwardly directed radially force of the prosthetic device exerted against the inner layer, and then locally contract at least partially back to the non-expanded configuration as the prosthetic device passes through the lumen.