Patent ID: 7871398
Filing Date: 2011-01-18
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. In combination, an introducer sheath and a catheter, comprising: an introducer sheath having a proximal end opening having an inner diameter; and a catheter suitable for vasculature implantation and having a catheter body sufficiently flexible to be disposed about sharp bends when being implanted into the vasculature and having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the body tapers from a larger outer diameter to a smaller outer diameter with the taper beginning at the proximal catheter end and extending a selected distance toward the distal end, the taper thus being sufficiently long to extend through a subcutaneous tunnel and into an incision into vasculature of a patient, the catheter body including at least one lumen extending therethrough and an outer catheter wall with each at least one lumen having a constant diameter extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the tapered proximal body end portion includes therealong a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the introducer sheath proximal end opening, thereby having an exterior surface of the tapered proximal body end that at an axial location therealong engages an interior surface of the sheath circumferentially therearound so as to close off the proximal end opening of an introducer sheath upon the catheter being inserted through the introducer sheath during patient placement to minimize blood leakage through the proximal end opening.