Patent ID: 6221097
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
In a stent delivery system comprising:a catheter including a distal portion constructed and arranged to carry and release a stent;a stent positioned around the distal portion of the catheter, the stent having a contracted condition and being expandable to an expanded condition, the stent having two end portions, both end portions lying over the distal portion of the catheter, andan elastomeric first sleeve of polymeric composition carried in the region of the distal portion of the catheter and positioned around the catheter, the first sleeve having a first end attached to the catheter and a second end lying over the end portion of the stent which lies over the catheter, the first sleeve fixing the end of the stent on the catheter when the stent is in the contracted condition, the catheter and stent being cooperatively constructed and arranged for expansion of the stent and axial removal of the first sleeve from the margin of the stent upon delivery of the stent for implantation,the improvement comprising:the first sleeve being a pre-lubricated sleeve, wherein the first sleeve is lubricated with a lubricant additive prior to assembly with the catheter to reduce friction and facilitate release of the stent.