Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An introducer (10) method of percutaneously deploying a self-expanding stent (14) in a body vessel or duct (43). The stent introducer includes an outer elongated member tube (11) having a passage (12) extending longitudinally therein and operable in a first direction (13) for deploying the self-expanding stent in a collapsed condition from the outer member passage. An inner elongated member (15) is positioned in the outer member passage and is operable in a second direction (16) for deploying the stent from the outer member passage. An interconnection mechanism (17) is connected to the outer and inner members for operation thereof, whereby a stent in a collapsed condition is deployed from the outer member passage to an expanded condition. When deployed, the expanded portion of the stent remains fixedly positioned longitudinally in the body vessel or duct as the remaining portion is deployed from the outer member passage. The inner member operates a second operable distance (34) and includes at least one protuberance (19) for pushing the stent out of the outer member passage as the outer member is concomitantly withdrawn a first operable distance (33) from the collapsed, self-expanding stent. The first operable distance is the short length (36) of the stent in an expanded condition, whereas the second operable distance (34) is approximately the distance (37) in the long and short lengths of the stent. The interconnection mechanism of the introducer further includes a transfer assembly (23) coupled to the outer and inner members for controlling the travel distance and direction thereof.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim