Patent ID: 8262619
Filing Date: 2012-09-11
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. An introducer sheath comprising: a tubular body portion having a proximal region and a distal region and defining an internal lumen configured and dimensioned to slidably receive a catheter; and a penetrating portion at a distal end of the tubular body portion having a first tapered configuration to enlarge an opening in a body tissue during distal advancement of the introducer sheath through the body tissue and a second expanded configuration to enable the passage of a distal end portion of a catheter through the penetrating portion, the penetrating portion being separable from the tubular body portion via perforations and configured to be maintained on the catheter to act as a barrier between body tissue and the catheter and to increase a kink resistance of the catheter adjacent a proximal end portion of the catheter.