Abstract: A splittable sheath assembly including a sheath, a T-shaped fitting and an attachment mechanism. The sheath is adapted for use in the trans-cutaneous insertion of medical instrumentation through a lumen defined by the sheath and has a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end including an initial bifurcated portion defining two tabs. The T-shaped fitting has a central opening aligned with the lumen of the sheath, a handle on either side of the central opening, and a zone of weakness unitarily joining the two handles so that the T-shaped fitting is adapted to be split into two separate portions, each portion having only one of the handles. The attachment mechanism attaches each of the tabs of the proximal end of the sheath to one of the handles. Each attachment mechanism includes a projection portion engaging one of the tabs and a locking element received on the projection to inhibit removal of the tab from the projection.

Abstract: A splittable sheath assembly including a sheath, a T-shaped fitting and an attachment mechanism. The sheath is adapted for use in the trans-cutaneous insertion of medical instrumentation through a lumen defined by the sheath and has a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end including an initial bifurcated portion defining two tabs. The T-shaped fitting has a central opening aligned with the lumen of the sheath, a handle on either side of the central opening, and a zone of weakness unitarily joining the two handles so that the T-shaped fitting is adapted to be split into two separate portions, each portion having only one of the handles. The attachment mechanism attaches each of the tabs of the proximal end of the sheath to one of the handles. Each attachment mechanism includes a projection portion engaging one of the tabs and a locking element received on the projection to inhibit removal of the tab from the projection.

Abstract: An introducer sheath (30) having a short distal tip section (34,40) that is highly radiopaque. The distal tip section may be of FEP with 20% to 75% by weight tungsten particulate filler, and may be initially a separate member (40) and bonded to the sheath shaft distal end (32).