Large-diameter introducer sheath having hemostasis valve and removable steering mechanism

An aortic introducer catheter comprising:

• a flexible sheath having a proximal and, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween wherein the length between the proximal and distal ends is in the range from 30 cm to 60 cm and the lumen diameter is in the range from 5 mm to 10 mm, and
• a hemostasis valve secured to the proximal end of the sheath.

A steerable obturator for use with a flexible catheter sheath, said obturator comprising:

• a flexible body having a proximal end and tapered distal tip;
• and
• means for laterally deflecting at least a distal portion of the flexible body.

A hemostasis valve comprising:

• a housing having an interior cavity and axially aligned inlet and outlet ports;
• and
• a compressible insert disposed within the interior cavity of the housing, said insert including a polymeric foam body having an open axial lumen and an exterior geometry which is similar to but larger than the cavity in the housing, wherein the insert is confined within the cavity to close the lumen with said closed lumen being aligned between the inlet and outlet ports.

A hemostasis valve comprising:

• a housing having an interior cavity and axially aligned inlet and outlet ports;
• and
• an elastomeric insert within the interior cavity of the housing, said insert having a forwardly disposed conical face, wherein the face is radially split to permit passage of a catheter therethrough.