Patent ID: 7329248

Claim:
A catheter insertion sheath comprising: a tubular sheath having a proximal end, a distal end, and a hollow passage extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a handle portion disposed at the proximal end of the tubular sheath; and a clamp assembly extending from the handle portion for releasably closing the sheath, the clamp assembly including at least one section in fixed relationship to the sheath adjacent thereto, and at least one section that is movable with respect to the fixed section and to the sheath, wherein the at least one movable section is translatable between an open position and a closed position, wherein, when in the open position, fluid may flow through the hollow passage between the proximal end and the distal end and when in the closed position, fluid flow is restricted through the hollow passage between the proximal end and the distal ends, wherein the clamp assembly is affixed to the handle and positioned adjacent to the sheath in such a manner that its at least one movable portion is operable with a single hand while that hand also holds the insertion sheath.