Importance

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a stent delivery system comprising a catheter tube defining for a self-expanding stent a bed having a length direction in line with the catheter length, a radially outward facing stent-receiving surface, a distal end at or near the distal end of the catheter and a proximal end spaced proximally from the distal end; an outer catheter tube to circumferentially surround the bed; and the outer tube being arranged to be withdrawn proximally to release the self-expanding stent radially outwardly from the bed; and further comprising: on the stent receiving bed surface, immediately distal of the proximal end of the bed, a first pinch zone; on the outer tube, at or near a distal end thereof, and on its radially inwardly facing surface, a second pinch zone; the first and second pinch zones facing each other when the distal end of the outer tube is not quite fully withdrawn proximally, relative to the bed; the facing of the opposed first and second pinch zones defining a reduced-width annulus for pinching the proximal end of the stent to make available increased resistance to relative axial movement between the stent and the catheter shaft just prior to full withdrawal of the outer tube.

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First Claim