Expandable introducer sheath

Abstract

One embodiment is directed to a system for deploying a device to a distal location across a vessel, comprising an elongate introducer sheath tubing member comprising open-cell fibrous wall material defining a lumen therethrough, wherein in a collapsed configuration the sheath has a first cross-sectional outer diameter and a first lumen inner diameter, and in an expanded configuration, the sheath has a second cross-sectional outer diameter and a second lumen inner diameter; and a substantially non-porous expandable layer coupled to a proximal portion of sheath and configured to prevent fluids present in the lumen from crossing the fibrous wall material.

1 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . An expandable introducer sheath comprising:
 a. an expandable and contractible tubular shaft comprising a lumen sized and expandable to receive a positionable medical device therethrough, wherein the expandable and contractible tubular shaft includes a plurality of braided fibers arranged in a mesh pattern;   b. a sealing layer apart from the expandable and contractible tubular shaft, wherein the sealing layer is positioned along the expandable and contractible tubular shaft, and further wherein a porosity of the sealing layer is less than a porosity of the expandable and contractible tubular shaft; and   c. a proximal hub operably coupled to a proximal end of the expandable and contractible tubular shaft.