Patent ID: 6572645
Filing Date: 2003-06-03
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A method of delivering and deploying a multi-stage stent device in one trip into a vasculature, comprising the steps of:a) providing a delivery device comprising: i) a pusher/holder wire having a length sufficient for manipulation from outside the vasculature, wherein the pusher/holder wire has a distal portion provided with a pair of first and second spaced apart stoppers mounted on the pusher/holder wire; ii) a first sheath having a first diameter; iii) a second sheath having a second diameter less than the first diameter of the first sheath; and iv) a catheter having a third diameter less than the first and second diameters, wherein a distal end of the catheter is connected to a proximal end of the second sheath; and b) positioning a first stent device housed inside the first sheath; c) positioning a second stent device surrounding the pusher/holder wire and intermediate the first and second spaced apart stoppers; d) assembling the delivery device by moving the second sheath over the second stent device and supported on at least one of the first and second stoppers and in a movable relationship therewith, and by moving the catheter through the first stent device housed inside the first sheath; e) moving the delivery device through the vasculature to position the first stent device at a treatment site; f) moving the first sheath in a proximal direction while the pusher/holder wire and the catheter remain stationary to thereby deploy the first stent device at such time as the first sheath is removed from its housing relationship with the first stent device; g) moving the pusher/holder wire and the catheter connected to the second sheath in a proximal direction until the second stent device is properly positioned with respect to, and at least partially inside of, the first stent device; and h) moving the catheter and the associated second sheath in a proximal direction while the pusher/holder wire remains stationary to thereby deploy the second stent device at such time as the second sheath is removed from its housing relationship with the second stent device.