Patent ID: 7229450

Claim:
An introducer system for use with at least one of a catheter and a lead, the introducer system comprising: a sheath having a first end and a second end, the sheath being compatible for insertion within a body, wherein the sheath defines a central lumen configured to permit introduction of at least one of a lead and a catheter therethrough; wherein at least a portion of the sheath is configured to define a flexible, kink-resistant section; wherein the flexible, kink-resistant section comprises a helical pleat on an outer surface of the sheath defining a helical groove; a mapping probe at the first end of the sheath connectable to a pacing system analyzer for seeking at least one of an epicardial surface location and an endocardial location at which optimal pacing parameters can be determined; and at least one conductor received in the helical groove of the sheath connected to and extending from the mapping probe to the pacing system analyzer.