Importance

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Abstract

This invention relates to an introducer slitter for slitting an introducer tube portion having, for example, a catheter extending therethrough and into a body vessel while the introducer tube is moved rearwardly relative to the catheter to facilitate separating the introducer from the catheter without having to slide the introducer tube portion over the proximal end of the catheter. The slitter includes an arcuate section having an inner peripheral wall that extends arcuately through an angle of at least about 180.degree. and is adapted to abut against the catheter, and a nose portion that extends between the catheter and introducer tube portions as the introducer is moved axially rearwardly relative to the catheter, a handle section extending radially outwardly of the arcuate section and a radially extending cutting edge for engaging the introducer tube portion for slitting the introducer tube portion as the introducer is pulled rearwardly relative to the slitter.

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First Claim