Patent ID: 7497844
Filing Date: 2009-03-03
Classification: A61B,A61M,A61N

Abstract:
1. A slittable delivery sheath sized for seating in the coronary sinus or a branch vein thereof, comprising: a slittable hub; and a substantially-straight body defining an inner lumen, the body comprising: the shaft section having a length ranging from approximately 43 to 62 cm and being formed of an extruded polyether block amide tubing having a hardness ranging from approximately 55 D to 72 D (Shore), wherein the shaft section further includes: a proximal shaft segment, the proximal shaft segment being formed of an extruded polyether block amide having a hardness ranging from approximately 70 D to 72 D (Shore); an intermediate shaft segment that is distal to, and softer than, the proximal shaft segment, the intermediate shaft segment being formed of an extruded polyether block amide having a hardness ranging from approximately 63 D to 70 D; and a distal shaft segment that is distal to, and softer than, the intermediate shaft segment, the distal shaft segment being formed of an extruded polyether block amide having a hardness ranging from approximately 55 D to 63 D, the distal section having a length ranging from approximately 1.5 to 3.5 cm and being formed of an extruded polyether block amide having a hardness ranging from approximately 25 D to 35 D (Shore), wherein the distal section further includes: a soft distal segment; an intermediate distal segment distal to, and harder than, the soft distal segment; and a soft tip that is distal to, and softer than, the intermediate distal segment; the transition section having a length of from about 2.25 and 5.5 cm and formed of an extruded polyether block amide tubing having a hardness ranging from approximately 35 D to 40 D (Shore); and wherein the braid is formed of stainless steel having an ultimate tensile strength of between approximately 200 and 250 kilo-pounds per square inch (ksi).