IP Library › Granted Patent US 8,048,034
Granted Patent B2
US 8,048,034 · App. 12/908,113 · Granted Nov 1, 2011

Slittable and peelable sheaths and methods for making and using them

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,048,034
App. No.
12/908,113
Granted
Nov 1, 2011
Kind
B2
Abstract

A sheath for delivering a lead or other device into a body lumen is adapted to be removed from around the delivered lead or device via a longitudinally extending feature. This feature of the sheath may be a ripcord, a seam or interlocking features the releasably engage one another.

Claims (10)

1. An apparatus sized for introduction into a body lumen and comprising a tubular device, the tubular device comprising:

a main lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the tubular device;

a sheath body extending about the main lumen; and

a circumferentially interrupted reinforcing layer attached to the sheath body and including first and second longitudinal edges, the first and second longitudinal edges defining a circumferential interruption, and each of the first and second longitudinal edges being defined by a loop;

wherein the circumferential interruption extends as a longitudinal channel between the proximal and distal ends of tubular device; and

the loop of the first longitudinal edge provides a first lumen of the tubular device, extending longitudinally alongside the main lumen thereof, and the loop of the second longitudinal edge provides a second lumen of the tubular device, also extending longitudinally alongside the main lumen thereof.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the circumferentially interrupted reinforcing layer of the tubular device is attached within the sheath body of the tubular device and maintained therein by at least one of: friction, bonding, and reflow incorporation therein.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the circumferentially interrupted reinforcing layer of the tubular device comprises a tubular braid.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal channel of the circumferential interruption of the tubular device is filled with one or both of: a portion of the sheath body of the tubular device and an adhesive.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising means to align a slitter with the circumferential interruption of the tubular device.