Patent ID: 7169165

Claim:
A sheath for deployment of a medical device having a first outer diameter in a first, closed state and a second outer diameter in a second, expanded state, comprising: an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween, the elongate tubular member having a first opening from the lumen at the distal end, a second opening from the lumen proximal to the distal end, and a third opening from the lumen distal of the proximal end of the tubular member, the openings defining points at which the lumen opens to an environment surrounding the sheath; a guidewire that passes through the first opening, through the lumen of the elongate tubular member, and through the second opening; and a support wire extending through the lumen from proximal the second opening toward the distal end, the support wire adapted to receive an endoluminal medical device.