Importance

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Abstract

The invention provides a method and apparatus for intraluminal delivery and deployment of an expandable prosthesis at a site within a body lumen. The apparatus for intraluminal delivery and deployment includes a support for supporting the expandable prosthesis while being delivered to the site within the body lumen, and a radially displaceable mechanical linkage connected to the support for radially displacing the support. The linkage is adapted to deploy the expandable prosthesis when it is displaced radially outward. The linkage permits continuous fluid flow within the body lumen while the expandable prosthesis is being deployed. The present invention can also be used without stents for expanding a body lumen. The present method comprises the steps of transmitting a radially, outwardly directed displacement force to the support from a control mechanism, the support being displaced radially outwardly to an expanded stance such that the prosthesis contacts the body passageway, and transmitting a radially, inwardly directed displacement force to the support from a control mechanism, the support being displaced radially inwardly to a recoiled stance less than the diameter of the body passageway while leaving the prosthesis in contact the body passageway. Fluid flow is permitted throughout the delivery and deployment process.

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First Claim