Patent ID: 11944770
Assignee: ABIOMED, INC.
Field: Medical technology (Instruments)
Classification: CPC A | IPC A

Claim 0:
1. An apparatus, comprising:
a sheath comprising:
a frame having a proximal opening, a distal opening, an inner surface, and an outer surface wherein the proximal opening is configured to receive a dilator; and
a material covering the outer surface of the frame and a portion of the inner surface of the frame, and forming a step feature within the distal opening, the step feature having a first surface that abuts the inner surface of the frame and that is oriented at a first angle relative to the inner surface of the frame; and

a dilator comprising:
a body;
a tapered tip comprising at least a first tapered section and a second tapered section being proximal of the first tapered section, wherein the first tapered section decreases in diameter in a distal direction and the second tapered section decreases in diameter in a proximal direction; and
an interlock between the body and the tapered tip having a first cylindrical section with a first outer diameter, a second cylindrical section with a second outer diameter that is less than the first outer diameter, and a catch surface that abuts the first cylindrical section and that is oriented at a second angle relative to the first cylindrical section,
wherein the interlock is connected to the body by a threaded connection and is connected to the tip by flange; and
wherein the catch surface is configured to engage the first surface to resist the body of the dilator from passing out of the frame through the distal opening.