Smooth transitioned dilator-sheath assembly and method
US5499975A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 1993 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/0687
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An introducer set including a sheath and dilator is formed within a heated mold to form a smooth external shape on the set. In one embodiment, the distal end of the sheath is embedded in the dilator and also formed at an angle oblique to the longitudinal axis of the introducer set. In a second embodiment, the distal end of the sheath contacts the dilator at a ledge or lip formed in the dilator, but is not recessed into the dilator at the ledge portion. The outer diameter of the dilator at the transition is formed relatively the same as the distal tip of the sheath so as to provide a smooth transition between the sheath and the dilator. This construction permits the sheath to be inserted into the body with a minimum of trauma to the patient and also permits easy removal of the sheath from the dilator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.