Embolic protection filter delivery sheath
View Patent ↗Embolic protection sheath and method of using the same. In some embodiments, the present invention includes an elongate shaft, an embolic protection filter coupled to the shaft, and a sheath disposed over at least a portion of the shaft.
1. An apparatus for delivering an intravascular filter, comprising:
an elongate sheath having a proximal end, a flared distal end, a longitudinal axis, and a lumen extending through the distal end of the elongate sheath;
an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the shaft disposed within the lumen of the sheath;
a preformed slit formed along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the sheath;
a filter coupled to the distal end of the shaft; and
a handle coupled to the proximal end of the sheath, the handle including a pull tab attached to the sheath, the pull tab including a thumb ring, or a finger ring, wherein actuating the pull tab causes the sheath to split open along the preformed slit.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a manifold in abutting relationship to the handle, the elongate shaft and the sheath at least partially disposed within the manifold.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the handle has a proximally facing surface in contact with the manifold.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the handle is coupled to the sheath at a distal region of the handle.