Importance

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Abstract

A stent delivery and deployment system for placement of vascular stents. The device employs a guide wire which is threaded into position in a vein or artery of a patient. An elongated stent having a central cavity communicating therethrough also has a passageway formed axially on or integral to, the sidewall defining the central cavity. The passageway has a diameter sufficient in size to slide upon the guide wire to allow the stent to be translated to the desired position in the blood vessel with the guide wire engaged in the passage. Sliding the stent to the proper position is accomplished by insertion of a balloon angioplasty catheter engaged with the stent, or other means to translate the stent on the guide wire, and sliding the stent with the on the engaged guide wire to the desired position. Once so positioned the stent is expanded and engaged in the blood vessel and the catheter may be removed leaving the guide wire in place for subsequent placement of additional stents or removal. The device also provides for positioning of stents adjacent to each other without gaps therebetween and cooperatively engaging adjacent stents if desired.

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First Claim