Abstract: A surgical sheath adapted for use in the nasal cavity has an elongated hollow body made of a braided material having interstitial spaces with a dimension of 0.25 mm to 1.50 mm. The interstitial spaces filled with a filling material, such as silicone. The sheath has a low profile configuration during placement into the naris, and may be stretched into an expanded configuration. In methods of placing the sheath in the naris, the sheath is folded and then pulled into the naris using a surgical tool.

Abstract: A surgical sheath adapted for use in the nasal cavity has an elongated hollow body made of a braided material having interstitial spaces with a dimension of 0.25 mm to 1.50 mm. The interstitial spaces filled with a filling material, such as silicone. The sheath has a low profile configuration during placement into the naris, and may be stretched into an expanded configuration. In methods of placing the sheath in the naris, the sheath is folded and then pulled into the naris using a surgical tool.

Abstract: In a surgical method, an access sheath is provided by a tube of a braided material. A first end of the sheath may be folded. The first end, folded or unfolded, is grasped with a distal end of a tool, which is then inserted into the nose of a patient. Advancing the tool pulls the distal end of the sheath into the nose of the patient. The sheath is then released from the tool and the tool is withdrawn. A portion of the sheath may be optionally cut off to shorten the sheath to a desired length. Typically the sheath has a total length of 70 to 180 mm and an outside diameter of 12 to 50 mm. The sheath may have a constant outside diameter along its length. The sheath may comprise silicone on the braided material.

Abstract: A surgical sheath for use in endoscopic trans-nasal or intra-ocular surgery is made of a braid material. The sheath may be manufactured by placing a length of braided tube material over a mandrel. The braid material is conformed to the shape of the mandrel and is then heat set. An atraumatic end may be made by folding or rolling one or both ends of the sheath. A coating may also optionally be applied to the braid material. The sheath reduces collateral trauma to the tissues in the surgical pathway.

Abstract: A surgical sheath adapted for use in the nasal cavity has an elongated hollow body made of a braided material having interstitial spaces with a dimension of 0.25 mm to 1.50 mm. The interstitial spaces filled with a filling material, such as silicone. The sheath has a low profile configuration during placement into the naris, and may be stretched into an expanded configuration. In methods of placing the sheath in the naris, the sheath is folded and then pulled into the naris using a surgical tool.

Abstract: A surgical sheath adapted for use in the nasal cavity has an elongated hollow body made of a braided material having interstitial spaces with a dimension of 0.25 mm to 1.50 mm. The interstitial spaces filled with a filling material, such as silicone. The sheath has a low profile configuration during placement into the naris, and may be stretched into an expanded configuration. In methods of placing the sheath in the naris, the sheath is folded and then pulled into the naris using a surgical tool.

Abstract: A surgical sheath system for performing surgery of the head includes a flexible tubular braided sheath which is radially expandable. An expansion tube is insertable into the sheath to radially expand the sheath. A locking assembly includes tube position shift means, such as a cap threaded onto a flange, with a washer contained in a recess in the flange, the recess having an inside diameter greater than an outside diameter of the washer. When unlocked, the expansion tube can be shift horizontally, to access a different area of a surgical site, without moving the locking assembly. A stylet stabilizing assembly may be pivotally or releasably attached to the locking assembly.

Abstract: A surgical sheath for use in endoscopic trans-nasal or intra-ocular surgery is made of a braid material. The sheath may be manufactured by placing a length of braided tube material over a mandrel. The braid material is conformed to the shape of the mandrel and is then heat set. An atraumatic end may be made by folding or rolling one or both ends of the sheath. A coating may also optionally be applied to the braid material. The sheath reduces collateral trauma to the tissues in the surgical pathway.

Abstract: A surgical sheath adapted for use in the nasal cavity has an elongated hollow body made of a braided material having interstitial spaces with a dimension of 0.25 mm to 1.50 mm. The interstitial spaces filled with a filling material, such as silicone. The sheath has a low profile configuration during placement into the naris, and may be stretched into an expanded configuration. In methods of placing the sheath in the naris, the sheath is folded and then pulled into the naris using a surgical tool.

Abstract: A surgical access sleeve may include a tubular braid with a closed end pocket at the distal end. The tubular braid is compressible, or it can be shortened, in a longitudinal direction, to force the tubular braid to expand radially outward. A surgical method includes inserting a substantially un-compressed access sleeve partially into an incision or opening in a patient, with the access sleeve comprising a tubular braid. The access sleeve is compressed in a longitudinal direction to force the access sleeve to expand radially outward to dilate or maintain the opening.

Abstract: A surgical sheath system for performing surgery of the head includes a flexible tubular braided sheath which is radially expandable. An expansion tube is insertable into the sheath to radially expand the sheath. A locking assembly includes tube position shift means, such as a cap threaded onto a flange, with a washer contained in a recess in the flange, the recess having an inside diameter greater than an outside diameter of the washer. When unlocked, the expansion tube can be shift horizontally, to access a different area of a surgical site, without moving the locking assembly. A stylet stabilizing assembly may be pivotally or releasably attached to the locking assembly.

Abstract: A surgical sheath for use in endoscopic trans-nasal or intra-ocular surgery is made of a braid material. The sheath may be manufactured by placing a length of braided tube material over a mandrel. The braid material is conformed to the shape of the mandrel and is then heat set. An atraumatic end may be made by folding or rolling one or both ends of the sheath. A coating may also optionally be applied to the braid material. The sheath reduces collateral trauma to the tissues in the surgical pathway.