Methods and Devices for Sheath Compression

Abstract

A sheath is configured for elongation from a first length to a second, longer length and a retention member retains the sheath at the first length. A portion of the retention member is removed or disengaged, the sheath is released and expands in situ to the second longer length. A method for releasing the retention member is also disclosed.

1 . A medical device comprising:
 a sheath configured for elongation in situ from a first length to a second, longer length; and,   a retention member, wherein the retention member retains the sheath at the first length.   
   
   
       2 . The medical device according to  claim 1 , wherein upon disengagement of at least a portion of the retention member from the sheath, the sheath is capable of elongation longitudinally from the first length to the second, longer length. 
   
   
       3 . The medical device according to  claim 1 , wherein upon removal of at least a portion of the retention member, the sheath extends to the second, longer length. 
   
   
       4 . The medical device according to  claim 1 , wherein upon severing of the retention member, the sheath may elongate from the first length to the second, longer length. 
   
   
       5 . The medical device according to  claim 1 , wherein the retention member is selected from the group consisting of fibers, sutures, clips, pins, and staples. 
   
   
       6 . The medical device according to  claim 1 , wherein the retention member penetrates at least a portion of the sleeve. 
   
   
       7 . The medical device according to  claim 1 , wherein the retention member comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, proteins, vinyl polymers, PEG-based polymers, and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       8 . The medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the retention member is a polymer coating. 
   
   
       9 . The medical device according to  claim 1 , wherein the retention member encapsulates the sheath. 
   
   
       10 . A medical device comprising:
 a sheath having a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the sheath is retained in a first position having a first length for insertion into a body lumen and is elongated to a second position having a second greater length for placement in a body lumen, the distal portion of the sheath longitudinally extending past an anastomotic site.   
   
   
       11 . The medical device according to  claim 10 , wherein the sheath is retained in the first position by a retention member. 
   
   
       12 . The medical device according to  claim 11 , wherein the retention member is selected from the group consisting of fibers, sutures, clips, pins, and staples. 
   
   
       13 . The medical device according to  claim 11 , wherein the retention member is selected from the group consisting of glues and adhesives. 
   
   
       14 . The medical device according to  claim 13 , wherein the retention member is water soluble. 
   
   
       15 . A method of treating a patient, comprising the steps of:
 providing a sheath having a distal end and a proximal end, the sheath configured for elongation in situ from first length to a second, longer length, and a retention member;   attaching the proximal end of the sheath to a body lumen at a region proximal of an anastomosis; and,   releasing the retention member so the sheath is extendable to the second length.   
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising the step of grasping the sheath and applying a force to extend the sheath distally past an anastomotic site.