Patent ID: 6749584
Filing Date: 2004-06-15
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A protector sleeve for protecting an expandable member on a catheter having an inner lumen and a distal tip, wherein the expandable member is in a collapsed state prior to deployment, said protector sleeve comprising:a tubular member having proximal and distal portions and a sealing member therebetween, wherein said proximal and distal portions and said sealing member are formed from a single continuous material, said proximal portion being adapted to slidably engage the catheter and cover the collapsed expandable member, wherein a coaxial separation between the proximal portion of the tubular member and the collapsed expandable member is sized to substantially prevent liquids from entering the coaxial separation; wherein said sealing member is adapted to engage the distal tip of the catheter, such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is created between the sealing member and the distal tip; and said distal portion of the tubular member defining a passageway adapted to fluidly couple with the inner lumen of the catheter, such that the inner lumen may be flushed with a liquid while the collapsed expandable member proximal to the sealing member remains substantially dry.