A sheath introducer, often referred to simply as a sheath, is a medical device used in various medical procedures, particularly in interventional and diagnostic procedures performed in vascular or other body systems. It is essentially a tube-like structure that serves as an access point through which other medical instruments, such as catheters or guidewires, can be introduced into the body.
The sheath introducer is typically inserted into a blood vessel or another body cavity to provide a stable and controlled passage for the introduction of other instruments. It helps minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues and allows for the smooth advancement of devices used in procedures like angiography, angioplasty, or other interventions.
Sheath introducers come in different sizes and designs to accommodate various medical procedures and patient conditions. They are commonly used in cardiology, radiology, and other specialties where precise access to internal structures is required.