Introducer system

A lead/catheter introducer system comprising:

• an implantable lead or catheter;
• an introducer having an elongated first lumen through which the lead or catheter passes and a second lumen, extending parallel to the first lumen along at least a distal portion thereof;
• a tubular reinforcement member located within the second lumen of the tube, the tubular reinforcement member in turn having an internal lumen;
• and
• a curvable stylet, located in the lumen of the tubular reinforcement member.

A method of locating a lead or catheter in a desired location within a patient's body, comprising:

• inserting the lead or catheter into a first longitudinal lumen of a guide sheath;
• inserting a stylet into a second longitudinal lumen of the guide sheath;
• advancing the guide sheath, stylet and the catheter or lead to the desired location in the patient's body;
• removing the stylet;
• and
• removing the guide sheath from the lead or catheter by opening an outer wall of the first lumen along its length and removing the guide sheath from the lead or catheter.

A method of locating a lead or catheter in a desired location within a patient's body, comprising:

• inserting the lead or catheter into a first longitudinal lumen of a guide sheath;
• inserting a stylet into a second longitudinal lumen of the guide sheath having a tubular reinforcement member located therein;
• advancing the guide sheath, stylet and the catheter or lead to the desired location in the patient's body;
• removing the stylet;
• and
• removing the guide sheath from the lead or catheter by opening an outer wall of the first lumen along its length and removing the guide sheath from the lead or catheter.

A method of locating a lead or catheter in a desired location within a patient's body, comprising:

• inserting the lead or catheter into a first longitudinal lumen of a guide sheath;
• inserting a stylet into a second longitudinal lumen of the guide sheath having a coiled reinforcement member located therein;
• advancing the guide sheath, stylet and the catheter or lead to the desired location in the patient's body;
• removing the stylet;
• and
• removing the guide sheath from the lead or catheter by opening an outer wall of the first lumen along its length and removing the guide sheath from the lead or catheter.

An introducer system adapted to introduce a device into the vasculature of a patient's body and adapted to be removed by separating an outer wall using a removal instrument, comprising:

• an elongated sheath body extending between a distal end and a proximal end and having an outer wall adapted to be separated along its length;
• said sheath body having a first lumen adapted to receive the device to be introduced and having a second lumen, disposed adjacent the first lumen, lined with a tubular reinforcement member adapted to receive an insertable guiding member;
• a handle with an extending grip portion coupled to the proximal end of the sheath body, said handle having a first lumen that is in alignment with the first lumen of the sheath body and having a second lumen, disposed adjacent the first lumen, through which extends the reinforcement member of the second lumen of the sheath body;
• a substantially conical shape member mounted within the second handle lumen and coupled to the tubular reinforcement member lining the second sheath body lumen, said conical member being adapted to direct the distal tip of a guiding member into the tubular reinforcement member;
• a leur fitting coupled to said handle and adapted for connection to a hemostasis valve, said leur fitting having a wall surrounding an internal lumen aligned with the first handle lumen;
• and
• a slot in a surface of the leur fitting that is disposed on the opposite side of the first handle lumen from where the second handle lumen is disposed;
• said slot being adapted to accept a removal instrument and direct it in separating the outer wall of the sheath body.