Patent ID: 8764704
Filing Date: 2014-07-01
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. An expandable transluminal access sheath adapted for providing minimally invasive access to body lumens or cavities, comprising: an axially elongate sheath tube with a proximal and a distal end and a central through lumen; a distal region of the sheath which is expandable in circumference in response to pressure applied therein, a hub affixed to the proximal end of the sheath tube, the hub adapted to form a tapered internal lumen to facilitate the passage of instrumentation; a central obturator, which serves to occlude the central lumen of the sheath during insertion; and a guidewire lumen within the obturator, capable of passing standard medical guidewires; wherein the obturator is a balloon dilator capable of expanding the distal region of the sheath.