T-fitting for splittable sheath

The present invention relates generally to medical devices and more particularly to introducer sheaths that are used for the transcutaneous introduction of catheters and other apparatus into a patient. The present invention relates more particularly to fittings on the proximal end of such introducer sheaths that permit the introducer sheath to be easily removed when no longer needed for the procedure. A splittable sheath assembly including a sheath, a T-shaped fitting and an attachment mechanism. The sheath is adapted for use in the trans-cutaneous insertion of medical instrumentation through a lumen defined by the sheath and has a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end including an initial bifurcated portion defining two tabs. The T-shaped fitting has a central opening aligned with the lumen of the sheath, a handle on either side of the central opening, and a zone of weakness unitarily joining the two handles so that the T-shaped fitting is adapted to be split into two separate portions, each portion having only one of the handles. The attachment mechanism attaches each of the tabs of the proximal end of the sheath to one of the handles. Each attachment mechanism includes a projection portion engaging one of the tabs and a locking element received on the projection to inhibit removal of the tab from the projection. The attachment mechanism and tabs are embedded in the handles of the T-shaped fitting by insert molding the T-shaped fitting including the splittable handles around the attachment mechanisms. The molded T-shaped fitting includes locking feature for receiving a dilator fitting that is oriented to reduce any forces that might otherwise cause premature splitting of the fitting.