SHEATH FOR INTRAVENOUS INSERTION OF MEDICAL DEVICES

摘要

A sheath (10) and obturator (40) are provided for facilitating the insertion of certain medical devices into a patient's vascular system, a vein, or venous system and in particular an in vivo extrapulmonary blood gas exchange device having a bundle comprised of a plurality of elongated gas permeable tubes being potted at each end and enclosed within a respective air tight proximal and distal chamber. The sheath (10) is hollow and substantially tubular with a tapered receiving portion (22) and a nontapered, curved entry portion (24). The obturator (40) has a tip (44) at the distal end of the obturator and a grip (46) at the proximal end with an elongate member (42) therebetween. The sheath (10) is configured to receive the obturator (40) in sliding engagement such that when the obturator (40) is fully inserted within the sheath (10), the tip (44) closes the opening at the entry end of the sheath (10) and protrudes slightly therefrom. The obturator has a vent (50) which provides a passage from space exterior to the sheath into the hollow interior of the sheath. The sheath (10) and obturator (40) are inserted into the patient through a single incision.