| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20100145267 | EXPANDABLE SPINAL SHEATH AND METHOD OF USE - Disclosed is an expandable percutaneous sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration by a removable tubular restraint or by structural elements built into the wall of the expandable portion of the sheath. In one application, the sheath is utilized to introduce a formed in place orthopedic fixation rod such as for use in spinal fixation procedures, preparation of a spinal segment, or placement of a vertebral body spacer. The sheath can further comprise structural elements to permit re-collapse of the sheath under fluid pressure following completion of the procedure and prior to removal from the patient. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20110112567 | EXPANDABLE CEREBROVASCULAR SHEATH AND METHOD OF USE - Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, small cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is configured for use in the upper vascular system and has utility in the introduction and removal of therapeutic or diagnostic microcatheters. The access route is through the femoral arteries or the iliac arteries to the cerebrovasculature. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration during advancement to the cerebrovasculature. The distal end of the sheath is subsequently expanded using a radial dilatation device, which is removed prior to the introduction of microcatheters. The sheath can be inserted in a first, small cross-sectional configuration, be expanded diametrically to a second, larger cross-sectional configuration, and then be reduced to a diametrically smaller size for removal. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110144690 | EXPANDABLE TRANSAPICAL SHEATH AND METHOD OF USE - Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, small cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is configured for use in the vascular system and has utility in the introduction and removal of implant delivery catheters. The access route is through the ventricular myocardium, more specifically at the left ventricular apex, into the aortic root. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration during advancement to the arteries into the aorta. The distal end of the sheath is subsequently expanded using a radial dilatation device, which is removed prior to the introduction of implant delivery catheters. In an exemplary application, the sheath includes a supported proximal end, a supported distal end, and a collapsible center section. Certain configurations of the sheath are capable of being inserted in a first, small cross-sectional configuration, being expanded diametrically to a second, larger cross-sectional configuration, and then being reduced to a diametrically small size for removal. | 06-16-2011 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20080215008 | EXPANDABLE TRANS-SEPTAL SHEATH - Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is configured for use in the vascular system and has utility in the performance of procedures in the left atrium. The access route is through the inferior vena cava to the right atrium, where a trans-septal puncture, followed by advancement of the catheter is completed. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration during advancement to the right atrium and through the atrial septum into the left atrium. The distal end of the sheath is subsequently expanded using a radial dilatation device. In an exemplary application, the sheath is utilized to provide access for a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure such as electrophysiological mapping of the heart, radio-frequency ablation of left atrial tissue, placement of left atrial implants, mitral valve repair, or the like. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080243081 | EXPANDABLE TRANS-SEPTAL SHEATH - Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is configured for use in the vascular system and has utility in the performance of procedures in the left atrium. The access route is through the inferior vena cava to the right atrium, where a trans-septal puncture, followed by advancement of the catheter is completed. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration during advancement to the right atrium and through the atrial septum into the left atrium. The distal end of the sheath is subsequently expanded using a radial dilatation device. In an exemplary application, the sheath is utilized to provide access for a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure such as electrophysiological mapping of the heart, radio-frequency ablation of left atrial tissue, placement of left atrial implants, mitral valve repair, or the like. | 10-02-2008 |