INTRODUCER DEVICE HAVING VARIABLE FLEXIBILITY AND KINK RESISTANCE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE OF SAME

摘要

The present invention relates to an improved introducer device for insertion of catheters and other devices into the vasculature of a patient. Introducer devices of the present invention incorporate a polymeric layer (16) jacketing a variably flexible sheath (10) having a proximal end (14), a distal end (13) and a longitudinal shaft (12) extending therebetween wherein the sheath (10) surrounds a reinforcement member (17) for kink resistance and a lubricious inner substrate (15) having an internal passageway (18). Methods for manufacture of such devices are also disclosed.