Large-diameter expandable sheath and method

US5256150A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Endovascular Technologies, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Dinah B. Quiachon · San Jose, US
• Wesley D. Sterman · San Francisco, US
• Ronald G. Williams · Menlo Park, US
• David C. Dillow · Cupertino, US
• Steven G. Baker · Sunnyvale, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 13, 1991
• Grant date: Oct 26, 1993
• Expiry date: Dec 13, 2011

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2039/0686
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A large-diameter expandable sheath for use in introducing a catheter into a vessel in the body of a patient comprising an elongate sheath tube formed of a flexible material which has proximal and distal extremities and a passage extending therethrough of a maximum predetermined diameter. The distal extremity of the elongate sheath tube is folded longitudinally to a smaller folded diameter. A backflow adapter is secured to the proximal extremity of the elongate sheath tube. The backflow adapter has a central opening therein in registration with the passage in the sheath tube. A valve is disposed in the central opening of the backflow adapter and is movable between open and closed positions. The valve when open permits the catheter to be inserted into the sheath, and when closed serves to form a hemostatic seal about the catheter.