Inventors:
Franz E. Velarde - Harlingen TX, US
International Classification:
A61M 25/09, A61M 25/00
Abstract:
An assembly for accessing a vessel comprises an elongate housing having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The housing includes a base extending from the proximal end, an elongated tubular extending from the distal end to the base, and a throughbore extending axially from the proximal end to the distal end. In addition, the assembly comprises a stylet extending axially through the throughbore of the housing. The stylet has a proximal end comprising an actuation head external the throughbore of the housing, and a distal end opposite the proximal end of the stylet. Further, the assembly comprises an expandable member coupled to the distal end of the housing or the distal end of the stylet. The expandable member has an expanded position with a first diameter and an unexpanded position with a second diameter that is less than the first diameter. Further, the stylet is adapted to transition the expandable member between the unexpanded position and the unexpanded position by moving axially through the housing.