Patent ID: 6019778
Filing Date: 2000-02-01
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A delivery apparatus for a self-expanding stent, said apparatus comprising:a) an outer sheath, comprising an elongated tubular member having distal and proximal ends, said outer sheath comprising an outer polymeric layer, and inner polymeric layer, and a wire reinforcing layer between said inner and outer layers, said reinforcing layer being more rigid than said inner and outer layers;b) an inner shaft located coaxially within said outer sheath, said shaft having a distal end, extending distal to said distal end of said sheath, and a proximal end, extending proximal to said proximal end of said sheath, said shaft further including a stop attached thereto, said stop being proximal to said distal end of said sheath; andc) a self-expanding superelastic nickel-titanium alloy stent located within said sheath, said stent making frictional contact with and exerting an outward force on said inner layer of said sheath, said stent located between said stop and said distal end of said sheath with a portion of said shaft disposed coaxially within a lumen of said stent, said stent makes contact with said stop during deployment of said stent.