Kink-resistant access sheath and method of making same
US7005026B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 2002 |
| Grant date | Feb 28, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 8, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2023/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A releasable mechanism such as a cap is adapted for use with an access sheath having an elongate tube and a handle structure disposed at a proximal end of the tube. The releasable mechanism is sized and configured to fit the handle structure, which is shaped like the bell of a horn, to further facilitate use with surgical instrumentation. The releasable mechanism may operate as a separate cap that snaps onto the handle structure to provide access pathways to the sheath. The releasable mechanism may also be disposed at a proximal end of a surgical instrument to be introduced into the access sheath such that it may be interlocked with the sheath. In a method of manufacturing a kink-resistant sheath, a wire is initially coated with a plastic material, the coated wire is then wrapped around a mandrel forming a plurality of windings, and the wound coated wire is heated until the plastic material melts and bonds the windings to form a wire-reinforced sheath. The plastic material is preferably polyurethane but may be a thermoplastic, a thermoset or any plastic material having hard and/or soft durometer. The wound coated wire may be heated by capturing the windings within a shrink tube or …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.