Methods of making an expandable sheath
US11786695B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 17, 2019 |
| Grant date | Oct 17, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/7542
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed herein are expandable introducer sheaths and methods of making and using the same. The sheaths minimize trauma to a patient's vasculature by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the sheath to accommodate passage of a delivery system for a cardiovascular device, then return to a non-expanded state after the passage of the device. The sheath includes an elongated annular member through which the cardiovascular device and its delivery system pass. In an embodiment, the annular inner member can be formed by coextruding a first and second material. The first material includes a fold, and the second material radially spaces the different parts of the fold from each other during fabrication and provides support for maintaining the tubular structure. The second material is removed once the coextrusion process is complete.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.