Splittable sheath assembly

摘要

The invention relates to an apparatus for use for vascular implantation of a lead or catheter comprising a separable introducer sheath (12) adapted for disposition within a body lumen; a separable hemostatic valve (14) coupled to said introducer sheath (12), said hemostatic valve (14) for sealing said lead or catheter within said hemostatic valve (14) to prevent bleeding or introduction of air into said body lumen when said lead or catheter is introduced into said body lumen; characterized in that the apparatus comprises means for permitting removal of said separable introducer sheath (12) and said separable hemostatic valve (14) from said lead or catheter without sliding either said separable introducer sheath (12) or said separable hemostatic valve (14) over said lead or catheter; and means for separating said separable introducer sheath (12) and said separable hemostatic valve (14) in a controlled and predictable manner to permit removal from said lead or catheter. <IMAGE>