Patent ID: 6656212
Filing Date: 2003-12-02
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A catheter for deploying a prosthesis in a distal deployment location inside a body lumen from a proximal access location outside the body lumen, the prosthesis having a proximal end, a distal end, and a radially compressed configuration, the catheter comprising a portion having a longitudinal axis and adapted to be positioned coaxially with the compressed prosthesis, the portion having a first section disposed radially within an envelope defined by the compressed prosthesis and having at least one elongated member extending from the first section at a non-perpendicular angle to the longitudinal axis of the catheter, the elongated member extending along a straight, unbent path between the catheter and an end of the member, the member adapted to releasably engage a distal portion of the compressed prosthesis at or near the distal end of the prosthesis and to maintain engagement of the distal portion during deployment of the proximal end of the prosthesis.