US 2006/0135963 A1 · Expandable gastrointestinal sheath

Abstract

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 gastrointestinal system and has utility in the performance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration and 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 gallstone or pancreatic stone removal.

Claims30

Dependent claims

An expandable transluminal access sheath for providing minimally invasive access to a gastrointestinal tract, comprising:

an axially elongate sheath tube comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a through lumen extending therethrough, the sheath tube further comprising a distal region that is expandable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration in response to outward pressure applied therein;
a hub coupled to the proximal end of the sheath tube;
and
an obturator extending through the hub and sheath tube, the obturator configured to occlude the central lumen of the sheath tube during insertion of the sheath tube into the gastrointestinal tract, the obturator comprising an obturator hub that is releasably coupled to the hub of the sheath and a guidewire lumen that extends through the obturator, the obturator further comprising a balloon dilator capable of expanding the distal region of the sheath from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Expandable gastrointestinal sheath

Life of this patent

Expandable gastrointestinal sheath

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims30