Patent ID: 7377909

Claim:
A medical instrument introduction system, comprising: a hemostasis valve having a first engagement means disposed on a distal end thereof; a splittable sheath defining a lumen and having a second engagement means disposed on a proximal end thereof; and an adapter fitting comprising: a shaft defining a lumen, the shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; a third engagement means on an external surface of the proximal end of the shaft for engagement with the first engagement means of the hemostasis valve; a cannula portion forming the distal end of the shaft for interfacing with the lumen of the splittable sheath, wherein the lumen is adapted to receive the cannula portion; at least one wedge disposed on an external surface of the cannula portion for interfacing with a weakened portion of the splittable sheath; and a sliding connector slidably disposed about the shaft of the adapter fitting, the sliding connector defining an opening through which the proximal end of the shaft protrudes, the sliding connector further comprising a fourth engagement means for engagement with the second engagement means of the splittable sheath.