Patent ID: 8579913
Filing Date: 2013-11-12
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An introducer assembly including a carrier element for carrying an implantable medical device, the carrier element including a distal end at which an implantable medical device is carried and a proximal end; a sheath overlying the carrier element and being retractable so as to expose the distal end of the carrier element, the sheath including a distal end and a proximal end; a handle assembly at the proximal end of the carrier element and sheath, the handle assembly including first and second handle portions, attached respectively to the proximal ends of the sheath and the carrier element, the handle assembly being manually operable to retract the sheath by pulling the first and second handle portions towards one another; and a drive assembly coupled between the first and second handle portions and operable to provide a retraction assistance force pulling the first and second handle portions together; wherein the drive assembly includes a brake element configured to prevent the drive assembly from providing the retraction assistance force when there is no manual actuation; a yoke fitted over the sheath; a sprung element attached to the yoke; a brake release element attached to the yoke and releasable engaged to the brake element; the sprung element imparting a pulling force on the yoke, thereby placing the yoke in a tilted position relative to the sheath; and wherein when the yoke is in the tilted position, the brake release element engages the brake element so that the brake element prevents the drive assembly from providing the retraction assistance force.