Abstract: Sheath introducers and methods for making and using. A method of making a sheath introducer may include providing a splittable sheath, attaching a splittable hub to the proximal end of the splittable sheath, the splittable hub including a cavity having a threaded section and a valve disposed in the cavity, and disposing a valve actuator in the cavity, the valve actuator including threads on an external surface thereof threadably engaged with the hub along the threaded section of the cavity, the valve actuator opening the valve upon rotation of the valve actuator from a first position, in which a bottom surface of the valve actuator is proximal to an upper surface of the valve, to a second position, in which the bottom surface of the valve actuator is distal to the upper surface of the valve.

Abstract: Tear-away sheath introducers for catheters and methods for making and using such introducers are described. The sheath introducers contain movable valves that are encapsulated in a movable housing that allows the valve to move along the introducer axis. As the movable valve and housing travel along the axis, a portion of the hub protrudes past the valve and is exposed. As well, the sheath introducers can also contain a stationary valve and housing that can be opened to expose a portion of the hub when a conduit penetrates the stationary valve. The conduit can include a one-way, two-way, or other suitable valve actuator that can penetrate and open the valve, yet remain attached to a portion of the introducer when the introducer is split for removal from a patient. In both instances, the protruding portion of the hub contains a friction-free pathway for a catheter into the sheath introducer.

Abstract: Tear-away sheath introducers for catheters and methods for making and using such introducers are described. The sheath introducers contain movable valves that are encapsulated in a movable housing that allows the valve to move along the introducer axis. As the movable valve and housing travel along the axis, a portion of the hub protrudes past the valve and is exposed. As well, the sheath introducers can also contain a stationary valve and housing that can be opened to expose a portion of the hub when a conduit penetrates the stationary valve. The conduit can include a one-way, two-way, or other suitable valve actuator that can penetrate and open the valve, yet remain attached to a portion of the introducer when the introducer is split for removal from a patient. In both instances, the protruding portion of the hub contains a friction-free pathway for a catheter into the sheath introducer.

Abstract: Tear-away sheath introducers for catheters and methods for making and using such introducers are described. The sheath introducers contain movable valves that are encapsulated in a movable housing that allows the valve to move along the introducer axis. As the movable valve and housing travel along the axis, a portion of the hub protrudes past the valve and is exposed. As well, the sheath introducers can also contain a stationary valve and housing that can be opened to expose a portion of the hub when a conduit penetrates the stationary valve. The conduit can include a one-way, two-way, or other suitable valve actuator that can penetrate and open the valve, yet remain attached to a portion of the introducer when the introducer is split for removal from a patient. In both instances, the protruding portion of the hub contains a friction-free pathway for a catheter into the sheath introducer.

Abstract: A tunneler for producing a subcutaneous tunnel in connection with the placement of a catheter within a body of a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the tunneler comprises an elongate tunneler member and a sheath. The tunneler member includes a handle on its proximal end and a tapered distal end. The sheath defines an elongate lumen inside which the tunneler member is initially received. The tunneler member is configured to define a tunnel through subcutaneous tissue while disposed in the sheath, then is removable from the sheath lumen thereafter. The sheath is configured to remain within the tunnel so that a catheter can be inserted through the sheath within the tunnel. The sheath is splittable in one embodiment so as to enable its removal from the tunnel while leaving the catheter in place.