An introducer assembly for cerebral applications includes a protective sleeve 72 within made of an absorbable hydrophilic material such as a hydrogel which is deployed in a wetted condition and acts as a cushion or barrier between an introducer element 80 and a vessel wall 60 to prevent trauma to the vessel during deployment of the introducer element 80 and avoid vessel spasm. The sleeve may comprise a strengthening coil (Figure 6) with variable coil turn spacing in three sets increasing towards the distal end or alternatively comprise an internal strengthening frame (Figures 4 & 5). The introducer element 80 may have a catheter or sheath 82, a pusher element 84 holding an implantable medical device 88 and a dilator tip 90.
