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US006277108B1
(12) United States Patent ao) Patent No.: us 6,277,108 Bi
McBroom et al. (45) Date of Patent: Aug. 21,2001
(54) INTRODUCER WITH LOCATION MARKER
(75) Inventors: Jeffrey A. McBroom, Champlin; David A. Liebl, Eden Prairie, both of MN (US)
(73) Assignee: MedAmicus, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US)
( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
(21) Appl. No.: 09/326,901
(22) Filed: Jun. 4, 1999
(51) Int. CI.7 A61M 25/098
(52) U.S. C I 604/529
(58) Field of Search 606/108; 604/161,
604/160, 167, 529, 103.1
(56) References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
3,605,750 * 9/1971 Sheridan et al 604/529
4,571,240 * 2/1986 Samson et al 604/96
4,796,637 1/1989 Masuch et al 128/658
4,938,220 * 7/1990 Mueller, Jr. 128/658
5,045,071 9/1991 McCormick et al 604/280
5,076,278 12/1991 Vilkomerson et al 128/662.03
5,129,883 7/1992 Black 604/101
5,161,536 11/1992 Vilkomerson et al 128/660.07
5,174,302 12/1992 Palmer 128/772
5,209,730 5/1993 Sullivan 604/96
5,259,837 11/1993 Van Wormer 604/96
5,320,602 * 6/1994 Karpiel 604/54
An introducer system has a splittable sheath which includes a marker band. The marker band allows the sheath to be viewed under fluoroscopy while inserted within a patient, and while still allowing a medical device to be introduced therethrough. In addition, the marker band allows for the sheath to be split using a slitter in a longitudinal direction which permits the sheath to be removed from the venous system without having to be withdrawn over an end of the medical device. The marker band has perforations, comprises a mesh structure, or can comprise a braid structure, which each allow for the sheath, and the marker band, to be slittable.
22 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
