Patent ID: 6902575
Filing Date: 2005-06-07
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for delivering a self-expanding stent into a body lumen comprising: an outer tube having a proximal end and a distal end and sized to hold a self-expanding stent therein in a radially constricted condition; an inner tube within said outer tube having a proximal end and a distal end; a capturing element comprising a foldable sleeve slidably engaged with said inner tube, said sleeve having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end being smaller than said outer tube and said distal end being larger than said outer tube, said capturing element carried on said inner tube such that said distal end of said sleeve can extend beyond said distal end of said outer tube in an unfolded condition and said sleeve can be drawn into and become folded within said outer tube when said inner tube is drawn proximally relative to said outer tube, whereby a stent having an end inserted into said distal end of said sleeve is drawn into said outer tube, thereby becoming captured in a radially constricted condition within said outer tube; and a blocking element fixed to said inner tube near said distal end of said inner tube and adapted to block a stent inserted into said sleeve from becoming situated proximally of said blocking element and to block said capturing element from becoming situated distally of a predetermined point relative to said inner tube.