An expandable introducer sheath for use in inserting a medical device into abody vesselof a patient includes a body which extends from a proximal end to a distal endalong an axis.The body includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and an expandablereinforcement memberwhich is disposed between said inner and outer layers. The expandablereinforcement memberis configured to radially expand as the medical device is axially advanced orretracted throughsaid introducer sheath.Once the medical device has exited the introducer sheath, theexpandable reinforcement member facilitates a return of the introducer sheathto its original orunexpanded condition.
