Patent ID: 6159237
Filing Date: 2000-12-12
Classification: A61F,C21D,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of facilitating delivery of a vascular or endoluminal stent to a preselected site in a vessel of a patient where the stent is to be deployed to maintain the lumen of the vessel open, said method comprising the steps of:selecting a balloon catheter having a balloon with a length greater than the length of a stent crimped thereon so that the ends of the balloon project beyond the ends of the stent; andpartially inflating the balloon to distend the exposed ends thereof without materially expanding the diameter of the stent before advancing the stent-mounted balloon catheter through the vessel, to maintain the stent in place on the balloon and to provide a cushion for protecting the wall of the vessel during delivery of the stent to said preselected site.