A delivery system for an implantable member includes an elongated dilator splittable at both the proximal and distal ends. The dilator has a tapered distal end and a pair of tabs at the proximal end. An introducer for the implantable member is received in a passageway of the dilator and extends along a length of the dilator to the tapered distal end. The introducer is arranged relative to the dilator such that upon a relative proximal movement of the dilator, the tapered distal tip of the dilator splits whereby the distal end of the introducer extends therethrough. A handle has a gripping mechanism for engagement with each tab for initiating proximal movement of the dilator relative to the introducer upon rotation of the gripping mechanism. The handle is structured for splitting the dilator proximal portion upon the relative proximal movement of the dilator.
