Importance

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Abstract

A stent or stent-graft deployment apparatus or mechanism configured so that, when activated, the stent or stent-graft progressively expands in a direction from its end which is proximally positioned to the deployment instrument, such as a percutaneous catheter, to its end which is distally positioned to the deployment instrument. The stent or stent-graft deployment mechanism includes a tether or slip line configuration which reduces the likelihood of snagging between the line and stent member. A method is also provided for deploying a stent or stent-graft within a mammalian lumen which includes expanding the stent or stent-graft in such a proximal-to-distal direction. The apparatus and method of the present invention minimize the likelihood of the stent or stent-graft from being displaced from the desired site before it is somewhat secured in the vessel during deployment.

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First Claim