Patent ID: 7914492

Claim:
A catheter introducer system comprising a catheter sheath including a generally elongate body and a housing coupled to the body, the body and housing including a lumen and distal and proximal openings communicating with the lumen and configured for insertion and longitudinal movement of a catheter therethrough, the body of the sheath formed of a flexible material to allow insertion of the sheath body into a human blood vessel, the housing of the sheath defining a proximal end opposite the body of the sheath, the sheath including a valve coupled to the housing adjacent the proximal end of the housing, the valve further provided with a valve opening configured to receive the catheter therethrough and a shutter adjacent the valve opening, the shutter providing 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.