Introducer sheath and method of manufacture

Abstract

The present invention relates to a medical device delivery system. The delivery system includes an introducer sheath having an elongated tubular member having a passageway extending generally longitudinally therethrough. The passageway is defined by an inner surface of the tubular member and is configured to receive a medical device moveably disposed therein, where at least a portion of the inner surface of the inner tube comprises a non-uniform surface configured to reduce surface contact between the inner surface and the medical device. The delivery system includes an inner catheter configured to slidably extend throughout the passageway of the introducer sheath. A prosthesis is disposed within a distal portion of the introducer sheath, where the prosthesis is supported within the introducer sheath by the inner catheter.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.