Patent ID: 6666880
Filing Date: 2003-12-23
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A method for mounting a stent on a delivery system, comprising the steps of:providing a catheter assembly having an expandable member with a first end and a second end; providing an expandable stent having a first end and a second end corresponding to the first and second ends of the expandable member; crimping the stent on the expandable member so that the first and second ends of the expandable member extend beyond the first and second ends of the stent; placing an expansion restraint over the stent and at least a portion of the catheter assembly; pressurizing the catheter assembly and the expandable member to a predetermined pressure; disposing the expansion restraints, stent, catheter assembly, and expandable member in operative connection with a stent temperature controller and a heat source; applying heat from the heat source to a portion of the expandable member while controlling the temperature of the stent with the temperature controller; depressurizing the catheter assembly and expandable member; and removing the expansion restraint.