Patent ID: 11957576
Assignee: EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION
Field: Medical technology (Instruments)
Classification: CPC A  Y | IPC A

Claim 0:
1. An expandable introducer sheath comprising:
an inner layer comprising a polymeric layer having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the polymeric layer comprises a first portion having a first longitudinally extending edge and a second portion having a second longitudinally extending edge, wherein at least a portion of the polymeric layer has a first thickness, wherein the first portion and/or the second portion have a thickness that is smaller than the first thickness, wherein the polymeric layer further comprises one or more portions along a circumference of the polymeric layer having a thickness that is different from the first thickness, wherein the first portion and/or the second portion are angular portions, wherein the first angular portion tapers in towards the inner surface of the sheath;
wherein in an unexpanded state, the polymeric layer is rolled circumferentially into a partial coil configuration such that the inner surface of the second portion at least partially overlaps the outer surface of the first portion;
wherein the polymeric layer is configured to radially expand upon passage of a medical device by sliding the first portion and the second portion such that the first longitudinally extending edge of the first portion is abut or in close proximity to the second longitudinally extending edge of the second portion; and
an elastic outer cover extending at least partially over a distal end region and a central region of the polymeric layer, and including a distal opening to allow passage of a medical device therethrough.