10/19/2010
7,815,762
Method of forming an introducer sheath
Lentz and Howat of Cook Incorporated , Indiana formed an introducer sheath having a crease-free tapered distal tip portion.  They used a mandrel with an elongated body and a tapered distal tip portion. An inner liner tube of heat shrinkable PTFE, is positioned over the mandrel.  The inner liner is heat shrunk to the outer configuration of the mandrel, in a manner that avoids the formation of creases along the inner diameter of the liner. A reinforcing member is positioned over a length of the inner liner, and an outer jacket is positioned over the reinforcing member and the inner liner.  (RDC 1/24/2011)