Importance

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Abstract

An introducer comprises a sheath, a guide rod, at least one wire stabilization guide, and a loop actuation wire for securing and centering a wound opening during a medical procedure (e.g., wherein a transluminal device is utilized) and during closure of the wound. The guide rod is sized to fit within the inside diameter of the sheath. The guide rod has at least one slot along its length for releasably holding the loop actuation wire. One or more wire stabilization guides or elongated members are coupled to the sheath. In one exemplary embodiment, the elongated members may be actuated to form a loop, so that when the sheath is approximated to a wound site, the loop portion is approximated to tissue surrounding the wound site to hold the sheath approximately centered on the wound site. A method for identifying the depth of insertion of a transluminal device into an artery or vein based on the presence of pressurized blood internal to the vessel and the absence of pressurized blood external to the vessel is also provided.

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First Claim