IUPC introducer

IUPC INTRODUCER Abstract An introducer (40) for positioning a catheter (30), such as an intrauterine catheter, is provided. The introducer (40) includes an elongate member having an outer 5 wall (45) defining a longitudinal axis ('X') and a longitudinal lumen (48) for reception of a catheter (30), e.g., an intrauterine catheter. The outer wall (45) includes first and second longitudinal edges (50, 52) defining a longitudinal slot (46) in communication with the longitudinal lumen (48). The outer wall (45) has a cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis ('X') and defining a thickness at an opposed location generally opposing 1o the longitudinal slot (46) greater than a thickness at edge locations adjacent the first and second longitudinal edges (50, 52), to thereby permit the first and second longitudinal edges (50, 52) to be displaced relative to each other to increase a dimension of the longitudinal slot (46) to facilitate one of removal or insertion of the catheter (30) via the longitudinal slot (46) and relative to the longitudinal lumen (48). The thickness of the is outer wall (45) may be dimensioned to gradually decrease from the opposed location to the edge locations. The ratio of the thickness of the outer wall (45) at the opposed location to the thickness of the outer wall (45) at the edge locations is about 2:1. The outer wall (45) may define a generally c-shaped cross-section. 40 "m" 4 50 40 52 40 x-- -- 1 -F b" -52 55 3 FIG. 5 FIG. 4