Patent ID: 7967798

Claim:
An introducer apparatus for providing a reduced-friction pathway through an internal bodily passage of a patient, comprising: a flexible introducer member having a distal end and a proximal end, the introducer member being adapted to be introduced into the patient through an endoscope; a sleeve comprising a flexible material and which includes a first end, a second end, a first body portion, and a second body portion, the first body portion being attached to the introducer member, the second body portion, which includes the second end, being moveable in response to movement of a second member sized for introduction through the introducer member and through the internal bodily passage; whereby the second body portion, including the second end, is disposed within and is eversible from a passageway of the second member such that the second member passageway is substantially unobstructed upon full deployment of the second member; and whereby the sleeve provides a reduced-friction pathway for at least a portion of the second member during advancement thereof through the internal bodily passage.