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

A catheter introducing system comprising:

• a flexible sheath having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween;
• and
• an obturator removably receivable in the lumen of the flexible sheath, said obturator having a proximal end, a distal portion, and a deflecting mechanism actuable from the proximal end of the obturator for laterally deflecting at least the distal portion;
• wherein the flexible sheath has a length in the range from about 30 cm to 60 cm and a lumen diameter in the range from about 4 mm to 10 mm and wherein the obturator has a length in the range from 35 cm to 65 cm and an outer diameter in the range from about 4 mm to 9 mm;
• and
• wherein actuation of the deflecting mechanism manipulates the distal end of the sheath when the sheath extends over the distal portion of the obturator.

A method for introducing a flexible sheath to a target location in a body lumen, said method comprising:

• introducing the sheath to the body lumen;
• advancing the sheath within the lumen toward the target location by laterally deflecting at least a distal portion of an obturator which is removably received in a lumen of the sheath so that the obturator deflects a distal portion of the sheath;
• and
• removing the obturator from the sheath to provide an access lumen through the sheath after reaching the target location.

A method for introducing a flexible sheath to a target location in a body lumen, said method comprising:

• introducing the sheath to the body lumen;
• advancing the sheath within the lumen toward the target location by laterally deflecting at least a distal portion of an obturator which is removably received in a lumen of the sheath;
• manipulating a distal portion of the sheath by deflecting the distal portion of the obturator while the distal portion of the obturator is positioned within the distal portion of the sheath, and while the sheath and obturator are advanced together;
• and
• removing the obturator from the sheath to provide an access lumen through the sheath after reaching the target location.