Patent ID: RE42049

Claim:
An introducer guide for introducing medical items into an internal tissue of a patient, comprising: a cannula having a first end and a second end and defining a lumen therebetween opening at an aperture at said second end, said lumen sized to receive the item, said cannula defining a lateral opening in communication with said lumen adjacent said first end, said lumen sized and configured to allow exit of the item; a ramp disposed within said lumen adjacent and inclined toward said lateral opening; and a hub attached to the second end of the cannula, said hub including a gripping portion configured to be held when inserting and positioning the introducer, said gripping portion having a length sufficient for gripping, said hub defining a channel having a first end and a second end, the first end of the channel in communication with the aperture for delivering the item to said lumen; and a tactile indicator disposed along substantially the entire length of said gripping portion on said hub, said indicator having a fixed angular relationship with said lateral opening.