Patent ID: 8101091
Filing Date: 2012-01-24
Classification: A61M,B29C,B29K,B29L

Abstract:
1. A method for forming an introducer sheath, the method comprising: a) providing a first lubricious polymeric tube comprising a sheath extending from a sheath proximal end portion to a sheath distal end portion with an intermediate portion therebetween, the sheath having a first passage therethrough; b) providing a handle assembly of a second lubricious polymeric material, the handle assembly comprising a second passage having an inner surface; c) mechanically surface treating at least one of the sheath proximal end portion and the inner surface of the handle assembly, thereby forming an interface at the mechanical surface treatment, wherein the mechanically surface treated interface is of a substantially constant outer diameter at the sheath proximal end portion and of a substantially constant inner diameter at the inner surface of the handle assembly; and d) bonding the second polymeric material of the handle assembly to the first polymeric tube comprising the sheath, thereby forming an airtight seal between the inner surface of the handle assembly and the sheath proximal end portion at the mechanically surface treated interface with the first and second passages being in aligned communication with each other.