Patent ID: 7691118
Filing Date: 2010-04-06
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. In combination, a reloadable slotted introducer sheath and a tool to facilitate the unsheathing of a vasoocclusive device loaded in the reloadable slotted introducer sheath from the reloadable slotted introducer sheath, the reloadable slotted introducer sheath being configured to receive the vasoocclusive device, and to facilitate the resheathing of the vasoocclusive device in the reloadable slotted introducer sheath, the vasoocclusive device including an elongated flexible pusher member and an embolic coil connected to the elongated flexible pusher member, the combination comprising: a reloadable slotted introducer sheath having an interior channel and a longitudinal slot configured to permit passage of the vasoocclusive device out of and into the interior channel for unsheathing and resheathing of the vasoocclusive device; a tool having a flexible tubular body including a wall, an inner bore, a proximal end and a distal end, the inner bore being configured to slide over and receive the reloadable slotted introducer sheath and the vasoocclusive device, the reloadable slotted introducer sheath being received in said tool, and at least a portion of the vasoocclusive device being received in said reloadable slotted introducer sheath; and an aperture formed in the wall of the flexible tubular body to aid in the unsheathing of the vasoocclusive device from the reloadable slotted introducer sheath for deployment of the vasoocclusive device in treatment of a patient, and to aid in resheathing of the vasoocclusive device into the reloadable slotted introducer sheath, wherein said aperture is formed in one side of the flexible tubular body with a first, slanted edge of the aperture that is slanted with respect to a longitudinal axis of the flexible tubular body extending from a proximal end of the aperture at the exterior surface of the flexible tubular member distally and inwardly to a distal end of the aperture at about half of the diameter of the flexible tubular member, and with a second, transverse edge of the aperture that is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the flexible tubular body at the distal end of the aperture, extending from the exterior surface of the flexible tubular body to meet the slanted edge at the distal end of the aperture; wherein said aperture is formed approximately midway between the proximal and distal ends of the flexible tubular body.