Importance

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Abstract

An introducer apparatus (10) comprising a pair of co-extending splittable introducer sheaths (11), (12) is disclosed. The unique properties (pushability, torqueability, length, shape, etc.) of the individual introducer sheaths yields an introducer apparatus with the additional navigational flexibility to reach a remote target that whose access would be more difficult or impossible with a single introducer sheath. One embodiment include a coaxial pair of introducer sheaths made of made of molecularly oriented (non-isotropic) polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE which are used for placement of a pacemaker or defibrillator lead into the coronary sinus. In this embodiment, the first introducer sheath (11) is introduced over a wire guide into ostium of the coronary sinus, which represents the first target site. The outer introducer sheath includes preformed bends (20) to facilitate passage through the vasculature. A second introducer sheath (12), which includes a curved distal portion (17), is introduced through the first introducer where it extends from the distal end of the outer introducer sheath to access the second, ultimate target site, such as a coronary artery branching from the coronary sinus. After the pacemaker lead has been placed, both sheaths are split and removed from the patient.

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First Claim