INTRODUCER CANNULA HAVING A PLEURAL ACCESS LINER FOR USE IN CROSSING PLEURAL LAYERS

摘要

An introducer cannula for use in crossing pleural layers includes an elongate tubular member (20) and a pleural access liner (14). The elongate tubular member has a proximal end, a distal end, and a side wall that longitudinally extends between the proximal end and the distal end. The side wall has an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface defines a lumen. The pleural access liner (14) is made of a swellable and bioabsorbable material that swells when hydrated. The pleural access liner (14) has a shape of an elongate tube and the pleural access liner has an elongate opening that surrounds an outer surface portion of the outer surface of the elongate tubular member.