An introducer and hemostatic valve for improved torsional guidance and kink resistance
includes an entirely circumferentially reinforced introducer connected directly
to a valve body formed of a plurality of separable portions and housing a valve
element in a central chamber thereof. The plurality of portions may be attached
to the introducer during formation of the introducer, the valve body, or both.
Alternatively, the plurality of portions may be attached to the introducer by assembly
of the portions together in a surrounding relation to the introducer. In use, the
plurality of portions are separated from each other and the introducer is cut along
its length in order to withdraw the introducer and hemostatic valve over an enlarged
proximal end of an access device as the introducer is pulled from the patient's body.