Delivery system with inline sheath

An integrated introducer for a medical device delivery system comprising:

• a sheath comprising a proximal end, a distal end, an inner diameter, and an outer diameter;
• and
• a hub located at the proximal end of the sheath comprising:
• an exterior surface;
• an interior space;
• and
• a hemostatic valve located within the interior space,
• wherein an inner diameter of the sheath is smaller than an outer diameter of a delivery capsule of the delivery system, and
• wherein the distal end of the sheath is rigid and cannot slide over any portion of the delivery capsule.

A method of delivering a medical device comprising:

• providing a delivery system for delivering the medical device, the delivery system comprising:
• a handle;
• a delivery capsule comprising an outer diameter, a proximal end, and a distal end, the delivery capsule being configured to hold the medical device in a compressed delivery state;
• an inner lumen connecting the handle and the delivery capsule;
• and
• an integrated introducer slidably disposed about the inner lumen, the integrated introducer comprising:
• a sheath comprising a proximal end, a distal end, an inner diameter, and an outer diameter;
• and
• a hub located at the proximal end of the sheath,
• wherein the inner diameter of the sheath is smaller than the outer diameter of the delivery capsule,
• wherein the distal end of the sheath is rigid and cannot slide over any portion of the delivery capsule, and
• wherein the proximal end of the delivery capsule contacts the distal end of the sheath in an insertion configuration;
• inserting the delivery system into a body lumen;
• advancing the delivery capsule distally such that it breaks contact with the sheath;
• maneuvering the delivery capsule to a deployment location;
• and
• deploying the medical device at the deployment location.