Patent ID: 8911413
Filing Date: 2014-12-16
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. An introducer for use in inserting an interventional device into a body vessel of a patient, the introducer comprising: a housing having a first end opening, a second end opening, and an interior surface defining a housing cavity between the first and second end openings; and a valve structure coupled within the housing cavity, the valve structure having an inner radial surface defining a tubular channel along a longitudinal axis with a sealing region at least partially between the first and second end openings, the valve structure movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the sealing region has a first diameter and the valve structure has a first axial length, and in the second configuration the sealing region has a second diameter less than the first diameter and the valve structure has a second axial length greater than the first axial length, wherein the valve structure further comprises a contractible structure and a sealing structure, the sealing structure disposed inside of the contractible structure, wherein the sealing structure is unattached to the contractible structure at least along the sealing region of the valve structure to permit independent expansion and contraction therebetween in response to movement of the valve structure between the first and second configurations.