Patent ID: 6966896
Filing Date: 2005-11-22
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. An apparatus in combination with an elongate instrument comprising: an introducer having a proximal end, a separable hemostatic valve coupled to the proximal end of the introducer, wherein only one portion of the hemostatic valve remains permanently connected to the proximal end of the introducer as a means for manually holding the introducer in position when the separable hemostatic valve is separated into at least two portions, the remaining portion of the proximal end of the introducer, which is not coupled to the one portion of the hemostatic valve, then being free of all obstructions which could interfere with separation of the introducer along a longitudinal axis of the introducer; and wherein the introducer has at least two components including a tube and a reinforcement rendering the introducer nonfrangible, and necessitating the cutting of the introducer longitudinally in order to permit removal of the introducer from the elongate instrument disposed therethrough without requiring the sheath and hemostatic valve to be removed from an end of elongate instrument.