Modular introducer and exchange sheath

Abstract

In accordance with the present disclosure there is provided exemplary embodiments of an introducer sheath having a hub with an elongated tubular member extending from the hub. Disposed within the hub is a flexible valve member with a proximal surface and a distance surface and an aperture extending between the proximal surface and the distal surface. Both surfaces of the flexible valve member being parallel in a non-planar, retracted state and in a planar, relaxed state.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An introducer sheath, comprising:
 a hub having a flexible valve member with a proximal surface and a distal surface and an aperture extending between the proximal surface and the distal surface, both surfaces being parallel in a non-planar, retracted state and in a planar, relaxed state; and   an elongated tubular member extending from the hub.   
     
     
         2 . The introducer sheath of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible valve member is substantially concave in the retracted state. 
     
     
         3 . The introducer sheath of  claim 1 , further comprising a cap disposed adjacent the flexible valve member and coupled to a proximal end of the hub. 
     
     
         4 . The introducer sheath of  claim 3 , wherein the cap provides a compressive force to the flexible valve member to increase sealing strength of the aperture. 
     
     
         5 . The introducer sheath of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible valve member has a substantially constant thickness in the relaxed state. 
     
     
         6 . An introducer sheath, comprising:
 a hub having a flexible valve member with a proximal surface and a distal surface and an aperture extending between the proximal surface and the distal surface, both surfaces being parallel in a non-planar, retracted state and in a planar, relaxed state;   an elongated tubular member extending from the hub; and   a cap disposed adjacent the flexible valve member and coupled to the hub, the cap including a recess configured to receive a proximal end of the flexible valve member having an outer diameter, the outer diameter of the recess being smaller than an inner diameter of the hub.   
     
     
         7 . The introducer sheath of  claim 6 , wherein the cap is configured such that upon being disposed over the flexible valve member, the cap provides a compressive force to the flexible valve member which causes the flexible valve member to deform distally, thereby increasing sealing strength without reducing access to a lumen of the hub. 
     
     
         8 . The introducer sheath of  claim 6 , wherein a compressive force provided by the cap to the flexible valve member is generated by a difference in the outer diameter of the recess of the cap and the inner diameter of the hub. 
     
     
         9 . The introducer sheath of  claim 6 , wherein the cap is retained in a retained position by an adhesive, a snap fit, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The introducer sheath of  claim 6 , wherein the flexible valve member has a substantially constant thickness in the relaxed state. 
     
     
         11 . An introducer sheath, comprising:
 a hub having a flexible valve member with a proximal surface and a distal surface and an aperture extending between the proximal surface and the distal surface, both surfaces being parallel in a non-planar, retracted state and in a planar, relaxed state, the flexible valve member being disposed in a proximal end of the hub, the hub being overmolded with an elongated tubular member; and   a cap disposed adjacent the flexible valve member and coupled to the proximal end of the hub, the cap including a recess configured to receive the proximal end of the flexible valve member having an outer diameter, the outer diameter of the recess being smaller than an inner diameter of the hub.   
     
     
         12 . The introducer sheath of  claim 11 , wherein the cap is configured such that upon being disposed over the flexible valve member, the cap provides a compressive force to the flexible valve member which causes the flexible valve member to deform distally, thereby increasing sealing strength without reducing access to a lumen of the hub. 
     
     
         13 . The introducer sheath of  claim 12 , wherein the compressive force provided by the cap to the flexible valve member is generated by a difference in the outer diameter of the recess of the cap and the inner diameter of the hub. 
     
     
         14 . The introducer sheath of  claim 11 , wherein the cap is retained in a retained position by an adhesive, a snap fit, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The introducer sheath of  claim 11 , wherein the flexible valve member has a substantially constant thickness in the relaxed state.