Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method and device for implanting an endoprosthesis within the lumen of a body passageway. A tubular, elongated endoprosthesis having a small outer diameter for intraluminal delivery of the selected body passageway, is capable of being progressively permanently deformed to an expanded diameter by application of outwardly acting force. The endoprosthesis is provided on a catheter having an inflatable, radially expandable balloon, the axial dimension of which is shorter than the axial dimension of the endoprosthesis. The elongated prothesis is inserted in unexpanded state into a desired location within the body passageway and with the catheter positioned so that its expandable portion registers inside a first portion of the endoprosthesis, the inflatable portion of the catheter is inflated to cause deformation of the first portion of the endoprosthesis to an expanded diameter. The inflatable portion of the catheter is then deflated and shifted axially until it registers with an unexpanded portion of the endoprosthesis and the inflation of the inflatable portion of the catheter is repeated until the elongated endoprosthesis is expanded the desired length, and the endoprosthesis is permanently placed within the lumen. With the endoprosthesis comprised at least partically of knitted wire, the long endoprosthesis is especially capable of conforming to tortuosities of the body passage.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim