Patent ID: 6989024
Filing Date: 2006-01-24
Classification: A61F,A61M

Abstract:
1. A stent delivery assembly comprising: an elongate guidewire having a proximal end, a distal end, and a length therebetween and a reduced diameter portion to receive a stent thereon; a radially expandable stent positioned coaxially on and in direct contact with the reduced diameter portion of the guidewire towards the distal end such that the stent can be placed by and moved by the guidewire; and an elongated tubular sheath member covering at least a portion of the guidewire, the sheath having an internal elongated lumen terminating in a distal opening to freely slide over a portion of the length of the guidewire and over a portion of the length of the stent, the sheath being retractable from a first position where the stent is covered by the sheath to a second position where the stent is uncovered such that the stent is unhindered during sheath retraction, the sheath having a diameter greater than a diameter of the guidewire to receive the guidewire therein during movement, the stent positioned on the reduced diameter portion of the guidewire to accommodate the tubular sheath as it passes thereover.