Introducer with expandable capabilities

US10751178B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Brian Reynolds · Plain City, US
• Ross A. Olson · Anoka, US
• James M. Anderson · Cohoes, US
• Heather Hetteen · Robbinsdale, US
• Adam D. Grovender · Brooklyn Park, US
• Uchenna Junior Agu · Baton Rouge, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 9, 2018
• Grant date: Aug 25, 2020
• Expiry date: Jun 17, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2025/0024
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An example introducer is disclosed. An example introducer includes a tubular member including an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer having an inner surface, an outer surface and wall extending therebetween. The outer layer is disposed along the outer surface of the inner layer. The inner layer includes a plurality of longitudinal channels extending radially outward from the inner surface. Each channel of the plurality of channels has a circumferential width. Further, the tubular member is designed to shift from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration, wherein the width of each channel increases as the tubular member shifts from the unexpanded configuration to the expanded configuration.