Patent ID: 8066674

Claim:
A catheter introducer system comprising: a sheath defining a generally elongate body having a lumen, and a distal opening and a proximal opening communicating with the lumen; and a first preformed dilator defining a generally non-linear body having a distal end tapering inwardly to a narrower diameter at the tip, a proximal end, and at least one preformed arcuate portion; wherein the first dilator is disposed substantially within the lumen of the sheath such that the distal end of the first dilator extends through the distal opening of the sheath and the stiffness of the first dilator is greater than the stiffness of the sheath; and wherein the sheath includes a valve provided with an opening configured to receive a catheter therethrough, and a shutter adjacent the opening to provide for a friction fit around the catheter, the friction fit being selectively adjustable to vary between a first configuration for longitudinal movement of the catheter through the valve and a second configuration for holding the catheter longitudinally in place.