An introducer assembly includes an introducer element (80), which may have a catheter or sheath (82), a pusher element (84) holding an implantable medical device (88) and a dilator tip (90). The assembly also includes a protective sleeve (72) within which the introducer element (80) is disposed. The protective sleeve (72) is made of an absorbable hydrophilic material which is deployed in a wetted condition and acts as a cushion or barrier between the introducer element (80) and the vessel wall (60). The sleeve can prevent trauma to the vessel during the deployment of the introducer element (80) and as a result can avoid vessel spasm which can occur in delicate vessels such as the cerebral vessels. The introducer assembly may be used for cerebral applications.
