Patent ID: 7874981
Filing Date: 2011-01-25
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An orifice introducer device comprising: a tubular member having a lumen and a distal end; a tubular insertion device positioned within the lumen of the tubular member; a distal portion having a proximal end detachably connected to the tubular member, the proximal end having an annular groove that receives the distal end of the tubular member such that contact between the distal end of the tubular member and a side of the annular groove constrains the proximal end of the distal portion against radial contraction, the tubular insertion device configured to detach the distal portion from the tubular member, wherein, when the distal portion is detached from the distal end of the tubular member, the proximal end of the distal portion contracts from a radially outward position to a radially inward position such that the proximal end of the distal portion has an outer diameter smaller than an inside diameter of the tubular insertion device; wherein the smaller outer diameter of the distal portion allows the distal portion to be proximally withdrawn through the tubular insertion device while leaving the tubular insertion device in place within the tubular member.