Importance

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Abstract

An improved stent delivery system which provides a covered stent as a section of a deployment balloon is disclosed. The invention satisfies the need for a highly deliverable stent system with maximum flexibility, reduced profile, and consistent, smooth shaping along its length. The stent system described further minimizes damage to a drug-eluting coating and promotes uniform expansion of the stent during deployment. The invention provides a stent delivery system wherein a stent has a substantially impermeable cover in which the cover is detachably associated with a catheter shaft. The cover and the stent detach from the catheter shaft upon expansion of the stent to a desired diameter. In one embodiment, detachment is achieved automatically. In another embodiment, detachment is manual.

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First Claim