An expandable introducer sheath for use in inserting a medical device into a body vessel of a patient includes a body which extends from a proximal end to a distal end along an axis. The body includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and an expandable reinforcement member which is disposed between said inner and outer layers. The expandable reinforcement member is configured to radially expand as the medical device is axially advanced or retracted through said introducer sheath. Once the medical device has exited the introducer sheath, the expandable reinforcement member facilitates a return of the introducer sheath to its original or unexpanded condition.

A variable diameter tube for use in a vessel inserter for performing hemodynamics researches and related operations comprises two coupled different-characteristic materials which are coupled to one another to provide a single stretchable tube assembly.

Systems and methods for delivering and implanting heart valves are disclosed. The delivery systems can include an integrated introducer. The integrated introducer can include a sheath having an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of a delivery capsule of the delivery system and an outer diameter that is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the delivery capsule. The integrated introducer can include a hub having a hemostatic seal. The hub can have a locking mechanism configured to fix the integrated introducer in place on the delivery system.

An expandable introducer sheath provided with a steering mechanism is disclosed. The introducer sheath is configured for providing a prosthesis delivery system percutaneous access to a patient's vasculature. The introducer sheath includes a sheath component defining a central lumen and having a longitudinally-extending, radially-expandable portion. The sheath component also includes a steering wire slidably disposed within a wall thereof that longitudinally extends along the radially-expandable portion. When the steering wire is in a slackened configuration, the steering wire permits a width of the radially-expandable portion to increase. When the steering wire is in a taut configuration, the steering wire permits a distal portion of the sheath component to be manipulated or bent in order to align a distal port of the introducer sheath, for instance, with an ostium of a branch vessel.

Embodiments herein include an insertion tool for inserting a medical device into another medical device, such as a hemostasis sealing valve, and related methods. In an embodiment, an insertion tool includes a guide sheath and a protection tube. The guide sheath can include a flared proximal end. The guide sheath can further include a central lumen. The guide sheath can further include a locking notch disposed on the inner surface between the proximal end and the distal end. The protection tube can include a flared proximal end. A portion of the protection tube can be situated within the central lumen of the guide sheath. The flared proximal end of the protection tube can be sized to fit within the locking notch and can have an outer diameter larger than portions of the inner surface immediately adjacent to the locking notch. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Medical devices, medical device systems, and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include an inner shaft having a stent receiving region. A bumper shaft may be disposed about the inner shaft. A deployment sheath may be slidably disposed about the inner shaft. The deployment sheath may have a body region and a distal stent covering region. The distal stent covering region may have an outer diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the body region.

A medical device for inserting into a bodily orifice or cavity of an individual, which includes a first longitudinal hollow body and a second longitudinal hollow body that receives the first hollow body. Between the one end thereof and the first hollow body, there is a stepped transition which extends in the radial direction and can pass into an at least substantially step-free transition by virtue of the fact that the first hollow body, in the region of the stepped transition, expands in the radial direction towards the second hollow body and/or that the second hollow body, in the region of the stepped transition, contracts in the radial direction towards the first hollow body.

A fluid delivery mechanism that has a substantially cylindrical sleeve and an actuator coupled to the sleeve for controlling a circumference of the sleeve.

A catheter that has a catheter tube everting inside-out during the process of catheterization is disclosed. The catheter tube has a plurality of longitudinal protrusions extending from the first end of the catheter tube through at least a portion of the catheter tube, and forming an angle of 0 degrees to 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the catheter tube and facing radially inwards, and provides for dilating a circumference of the catheter tube upon everting the catheter tube inside-out from the first end of the catheter tube.

The expandable sheath and system (10) for intravascular insertion of a medical implement includes a cannula (70) for entering a lumen of a vascular vessel of a patient, a guide wire (72) insertable into the lumen, an introducer and dilator (62) adapted to follow the guide wire (72) into the lumen, an expandable sheath (40) positioned on the introducer and dilator (62), with the expandable sheath (40) being adapted to be positioned in the vessel, and an extension collar (76). The medical implement is received within the vessel by passing through the sheath (40) upon separating the introducer and dilator (62) therefrom. In one embodiment, a linear array of perforations (50) formed through the expandable sheath (40) allow for expansion. Alternatively, an external slit (16) may be provided for selective expansion of the sheath (40).