Introducer sheath with seal protector

A device for introducing a rotatable atherectomy catheter into a vessel of a patient, which comprises:

• an elongated hollow sheath formed with a lumen, said sheath having a distal end, a proximal end, and having sufficient length for said proximal end to remain extracorporeal while said distal end is positioned in said vessel;
• a housing formed with a bore, said housing being attached to said proximal end of said sheath with said bore aligned in fluid communication with said lumen of said sheath;
• a first seal formed with an expandable opening, said seal being mounted in said bore of said housing to selectively prevent fluid flow through said seal;
• a seal expander engageable with said housing for expanding said opening for subsequent insertion of said catheter into said vessel of said patient through said device;
• a substantially cylindrical insertion tube forming a first passageway through said seal expander, said insertion tube having a distal end and a proximal end, said proximal end of said insertion tube being attached to a substantially cylindrical body formed with a second passageway aligned with said first passageway, said second passageway having a distal end and a proximal end;
• a bevel formed in said distal end of said second passageway;
• a rear connector engageable with said seal expander for preventing fluid leakage from said device during operation of said rotatable atherectomy catheter.;
• and
• a substantially tube shaped second seal within said second passageway, .said second seal having a distal end and a proximal end, said proximal end of said second seal being attached to said rear connector, and said distal end of said second seal being tapered;
• wherein engagement of said rear connector with said seal expander urges said taper on said second seal against said bevel in said second passageway, compressing said distal end of said second seal to seal around said rotatable catheter.