| abstract |
An expandable transluminal sheath is disclosed that is introduced into the body when in a first small cross-sectional configuration, after which at least a portion of the distal end of the sheath expands to assume a second enlarged cross-sectional configuration. . The distal end of the sheath is maintained in a first small cross-sectional configuration and is expanded using a radial dilator. In an exemplary application, the sheath is used to allow access for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures such as ureteroscopy and stone removal. |