Patent ID: 7632254

Claim:
A catheter/sheath system comprising: a hemostasis valve having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a slitting/splitting tool extending from the distal portion of the hemostasis valve, the slitting/splitting tool having a blade with an edge that extends along a route that is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hemostasis valve; and an elongated tubular body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion of the elongated tubular body coupled to the distal portion of the hemostasis valve; wherein the elongated tubular body is disposed distal to the slitting/splitting tool, and wherein the slitting/splitting tool longitudinally cuts the elongated tubular body to facilitate removal of the elongated tubular body from about a medical device extending through the hemostasis valve and elongated tubular body; and wherein the slitting/splitting tool is coupled to the hemostasis valve via chemical, sonic, laser, or heat welding.