Importance

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Abstract

In one embodiment, an access sheath includes a movable coil sheath that is insertable into a patient through an endoluminal or surgical approach. The sheath is inserted into a patient in a flattened configuration. A plurality of separate coils, elements, or hoops are connected by a fixed member and a control member, which are moved relative to each other to flatten the coils or hoops. Once inserted and advanced to the target surgical site, the sheath is selectively, and controllably, unflattened or expanded to a desired diameter or cross-section. A control member is affixed to one edge of the sheath and runs in the axial direction. By translating the control member in a direction parallel to the axis of the sheath, the operator causes the hoops or coils to rotate into a plane perpendicular or lateral to the axis of the sheath. A mechanical lock at the proximal end of the sheath permits the control member to be selectively constrained from translation and thus lock the sheath diameter in place.

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First Claim