Expandable sheath for introducing an endovascular delivery device into a body
US8790387B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 6, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jul 29, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/1026
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Embodiments of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such embodiments can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some embodiments can include a sheath with inner and outer layers, where a folded portion of the inner layer extends through a slit in the outer layer and a portion of the outer layer overlaps the folded portion of the inner layer. Some embodiments include an elastic outer cover positioned outside the outer layer. Embodiments of the present expandable sheath can avoid the need for multiple insertions for the dilation of the vessel, thus offering advantages over prior art introducer sheaths.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.