Patent ID: 6660030
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
An endoluminal graft deployment catheter, comprising:a proximal outer tube section, having a proximal end and a distal end; an intermediate tube extending through the proximal tube section and beyond the distal end; a central core, extending through the intermediate tube; and a cap attached to the central core; a tubular sheath having an open distal end and a proximal end, the open distal end of the sheath having a first diameter and the proximal end of the tubular sheath having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter at the proximal end to form a generally conical section of the proximal cavity for receiving the proximal end of a prosthesis, the proximal end of the sheath being coupled to the intermediate tube; and a generally conical plug positioned in the generally conical section of the proximal cavity, the plug defining a distal surface that faces a proximal end of the prosthesis. a tubular sheath having an open distal end and a proximal end, the open distal end of the tubular sheath having a first diameter and the proximal end of the tubular sheath having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter to form a generally conical section of the proximal cavity for receiving the proximal end of a prosthesis, the proximal end of the tubular sheath being coupled to the second portion of the intermediate tube; and a generally conical plug positioned in the generally conical section of the proximal cavity, the plug defining a distal surface that faces a proximal end of the prosthesis; and a spacer for filling at least partially a space between the distally facing surface of the intermediate tube and an outer surface of the tubular sheath wherein the proximal and distal tube sections define a prosthesis cavity therein for carrying the prosthesis; and axial separation of the proximal tube section from the distal tube section opens the cavity to release the prosthesis.