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Abstract

The stent delivery method and apparatus uses an elongate sheath having a rounded or tapered distal end portion which has a central opening and which is constructed in a manner that permits the distal end portion to expand easily. The method comprises the steps of: placing a stent on a balloon catheter or a balloon on a balloon guidewire thereby forming a stent on a balloon assembly; placing the stent on a balloon assembly in the elongate sheath having an elongate axis; pushing the sheath and stent on a balloon assembly to a desired site in the lumen of a vessel; positioning the stent on a balloon assembly at the desired site; withdrawing the sheath from the stent on a balloon assembly causing the distal end portion of the sheath to expand to pass over the stent and leaving the stent and balloon at the desired site in the lumen; expanding the balloon and stent to expand the stent to a desired diameter; collapsing the balloon; and, removing the balloon and the sheath from the lumen. The central opening permits a guidewire tip to extend therethrough.

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First Claim