Patent ID: 7160246
Filing Date: 2007-01-09
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A system for removing a cover from a medical instrument, comprising: a flexible cover having a general tubular configuration for covering at least a portion of an elongated medical instrument; an insertion element coupled proximate a first end of the flexible cover, the insertion element being selectively expandable from a closed position to an open position to facilitate insertion of the elongated medical instrument; a pair of substantially parallel perforations formed in the insertion element and separated by a distance of approximately one-half inch to one and one-half inches; a pair of substantially parallel score lines formed in the cover and aligned with the pair of substantially parallel perforations, the pair of substantially parallel score lines extending from the first end to a second end of the flexible cover and separated by a distance of approximately one-half inch to one and one-half inches; and a tab coupled to the insertion element proximate the pair of substantially parallel perforations, whereby the tab is adapted to remove a portion of the insertion element between the pair of substantially parallel perforations and a portion of the flexible cover between the pair of substantially parallel score lines when a pulling force is applied to the tab.