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Packaging for an elongated medical device. The packaging may include a packaging structure that is adapted to be self interfacing and/or self mating such that the packaging structure can selectively maintain itself in a coiled, semi-coiled, and/or hoop like configuration without the use of additiona

Packaging for an elongated medical device. The packaging may include a packaging structure that is adapted to be self interfacing and/or self mating such that the packaging structure can selectively maintain itself in a coiled, semi-coiled, and/or hoop like configuration without the use of additional structures.

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What is claimed is: 1. A packaging structure for an elongated medical device, the packaging structure comprising: a first portion comprising an elongated sheath having a length and defining a lumen having a longitudinal axis extending along at least a portion of the length, the lumen adapted to rec

What is claimed is: 1. A packaging structure for an elongated medical device, the packaging structure comprising: a first portion comprising an elongated sheath having a length and defining a lumen having a longitudinal axis extending along at least a portion of the length, the lumen adapted to receive at least a portion of the elongated medical device; and a second portion disposed along at least a part of the length of the first portion such that the first portion and the second portion form a monolithic structure, the second portion extending radially outwardly from the first portion relative to the longitudinal axis and including a wall defining a channel, the channel configured to engage and mate with a second part of the first portion and selectively maintain the packaging structure in a coiled, semi-coiled, or hoop-like configuration; wherein when the second portion engages the first portion, an inner surface of the second portion is disposed about at least half of a perimeter of an outer surface of the first portion. 2. The packaging structure of claim 1, wherein the channel forms an interference fit with the first portion when mated with the first portion. 3. The packaging structure of claim 2, wherein the interference fit establishes sufficient interference to resist predetermined forces which otherwise would cause the first portion to disengage from the channel. 4. The packaging structure of claim 2, wherein the interference fit establishes interference that is sufficiently small to permit easy disengagement of the first portion from the channel to allow the packaging structure to be taken out of the coiled, semi-coiled, or hoop-like configuration. 5. The packaging structure of claim 1, wherein the channel forms a frictional fit with the first portion when mated with the first portion. 6. The packaging structure of claim 5, wherein the frictional fit establishes sufficient friction to resist predetermined forces which otherwise would cause the first portion to disengage from the channel. 7. The packaging structure of claim 5, wherein the frictional fit establishes friction that is sufficiently small to permit easy disengagement of the first portion from the channel to allow the packaging structure to be taken out of the coiled, semi-coiled, or hoop-like configuration. 8. The packaging structure of claim 1, wherein the first and second portion are defined by an extruded, molded, or cast unitary body. 9. The packaging structure of claim 1, wherein the packaging structure comprises a polymer material. 10. The packaging structure of claim 1, wherein the packaging structure comprises a metal or metal alloy. 11. A packaging structure for an elongated medical device having a length, the packaging structure comprising: an elongate packaging body having a length, the body including: an elongated tubular sheath portion defining a lumen extending along at least a portion of the length, the lumen adapted to receive at least a portion of the elongated medical device; and a generally C-shaped connecting structure portion disposed on a part of the tubular sheath portion, such that the connecting structure portion and the tubular sheath portion form a unitary member, the connecting structure adapted to mate with and releasably attach to a part of the tubular sheath portion wherein when the connecting structure portion mates with the tubular sheath portion, an inner surface of the connecting structure portion is disposed about at least half of a perimeter of an outer surface of the tubular sheath portion. 12. The packaging structure of claim 11, wherein the connecting structure portion and the tubular sheath portion when mated are adapted to releasably maintain the packaging structure in a coiled, semi-coiled, or hoop-like configuration. 13. The packaging structure of claim 11, wherein the connecting structure portion forms an interference fit with the sheath portion when mated with the sheath portion. 14. The packaging structure of claim 11, wherein the connecting structure portion forms a frictional fit with the sheath portion when mated with the sheath portion. 15. The packaging structure of claim 11, wherein the sheath portion defines an outer surface, and the connecting structure portion defines an elongated channel that is adapted to receive and mate with the outer surface of the sheath portion. 16. The packaging structure of claim 11, wherein the body, including the connecting structure portion and the sheath portion, is defined by a single extruded, molded, or cast unitary structure. 17. The packaging structure of claim 11, wherein the body comprises a polymer material. 18. The packaging structure of claim 11, wherein the body comprises a metal or metal alloy. 19. An assembly comprising: packaging for an elongated medical device, the packaging including: a first portion comprising an elongated sheath having a length and defining a lumen having a longitudinal axis extending along at least a portion of the length; and a second portion disposed along at least a part of the length of the first portion such that the first portion and the second portion form a monolithic structure, the second portion extending radially outwardly from the first portion relative to the longitudinal axis and defining a connecting structure generally corresponding to the shape of the first portion and adapted to mate with and selectively attach to the first portion; and an elongated medical device at least partially disposed within the lumen; wherein when the second portion mates with the first portion, an inner surface of the second portion disposed about at least half of a perimeter of an outer surface of the first portion, the packaging structure is maintained in the coiled, semi-coiled, or hoop-like configuration. 20. A method of making packaging structure for an elongated medical device, the method comprising: creating an elongated packaging body having a length, the body including an elongated tubular sheath portion defining a lumen extending along at least a portion of the length, the lumen adapted to receive at least a portion of the elongated medical device, and a generally C-shaped connecting structure portion disposed on a part of the tubular sheath portion such that the body and the connecting structure form a monolithic structure, the connecting structure adapted to mate with and releasably attach to a part of the tubular sheath portion such that the connecting structure is disposed about at least half of a perimeter of an outer surface of the packaging body. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the creating includes extruding, molding, or casting the body such that the body is a single unitary structure.