Importance

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Abstract

A balloon catheter is provided having an expandable distal portion, said expandable portion having a proximal end, a distal end and distal expansion means, said expandable portion being adapted for expansion at its distal end, from its distal end to its proximal end. A stent delivery system is provided to facilitate introduction and placement of a stent, and includes a catheter having an expandable distal portion constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of the catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state, said distal portion further comprising a balloon, and a stent positioned around the distal portion of the catheter around the balloon, said stent having a proximal end and a distal end and further having a contracted condition, said stent being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the balloon in the contracted state, and being adapted to expand to an expanded condition from its distal end to its proximal end in response to expansion of the balloon member from its distal end.

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First Claim