Patent ID: 6053904
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A sheath for use in introducing a catheter into an incision in an intravascular tissue wall of a patient, said sheath comprising:a tubular member having distal and proximal ends and defining a lumen extending therebetween for receiving and guiding the catheter into the incision, said distal end of said tubular member being positionable through the incision in the tissue wall; anda wire braid positioned about at least said distal end of said tubular member for reinforcing said distal end of said tubular member, said wire braid comprising at least two wires, wherein said wires are intertwined;wherein said sheath has a column strength of at least about 0.2 lbs. and a 30.degree. bending stiffness of at least about 0.2 lbs.