Slittable and Peelable Sheaths and Methods for Making and Using Them

A tubular device, comprising a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a body lumen, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, the tubular device comprising:

• an outer tubular layer comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and defining a circumference;
• and
• a reinforcing layer bonded to the outer tubular layer, the reinforcing layer comprising at least one circumferential interruption defined by a discontinuity in the reinforcing layer extending between the proximal and distal ends of the tubular layer.

A sheath for delivering a lead or other device into a body lumen of a patient, comprising:

• an elongate tubular member comprising a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a body lumen, and a circumferential wall defining lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, the circumferential wall comprising a first lumen therein extending between the proximal and distal ends;
• and
• a ripcord comprising a first portion extending through the first lumen from the proximal end to the distal end, and a second portion extending from the distal end to the proximal end, and a loop connecting the first and second portions at the distal end such that when the first and second portions are pulled from the proximal end, the loop causes the circumferential wall to tear.

A sheath for delivering a lead or other device into a body lumen, comprising an elongate tubular member including a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a body lumen, and a circumferential wall defining lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, the circumferential wall comprising a first circumferential portion, a second circumferential portion, and a seam where the first and second portions are attached to one another, the first and second portions comprising different materials such that when the first and second portions are pulled apart from one another at a proximal end of the tubular member, the tubular member tears preferentially along the seam.

A sheath for delivering a lead or other device into a body lumen, comprising a rolled sheet including first and second longitudinal edges, the first and second longitudinal edges including interlocking features that releasably engage one another to maintain the rolled sheet in a tubular shape while the lead or device is delivered through the rolled sheet and disengage to allow the rolled sheet to removed from around the delivered lead or device.