Introducer with multiple sheaths and method of use therefor

A vascular introducer comprising:

• a) an elongated primary sheath defining an interior lumen and having opposed proximal and distal end portions;
• b) an elongated secondary sheath disposed within the interior lumen of the primary sheath, separate from the primary sheath and from any other sheath and adapted for movement from a collapsed condition to an open condition;
• and
• c) an elongated dilator configured for reception within the interior lumen of the primary sheath and adapted for insertion through the interior lumen of the secondary sheath to effectuate movement of the secondary sheath from the collapsed condition to the open condition.

A method of implanting surgical devices through the surface of the skin comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a vascular introducer including an elongated primary sheath defining an interior lumen, an elongated secondary sheath separate from the primary sheath and from any other sheath and disposed within the interior lumen of the primary sheath in a collapsed condition, and an elongated dilator disposed within the interior lumen of the primary sheath;
• b) advancing the vascular introducer through the surface of the skin to a desired position within a blood vessel;
• c) removing the dilator from the interior lumen of the primary sheath;
• d) introducing a first surgical device to the desired position within the blood vessel through the interior lumen of the primary sheath;
• e) peeling the primary sheath away from the secondary sheath;
• f) advancing the dilator through the interior lumen of the secondary sheath to move the secondary sheath into an open condition;
• and
• g) introducing a second surgical device to the desired position within the blood vessel through the interior lumen of the secondary sheath.