Patent ID: 8038704
Filing Date: 2011-10-18
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M

Abstract:
1. A method for capturing a stent, comprising: deploying an inwardly sloped socket by inflating a balloon coupled to a catheter shaft, a portion of the inwardly sloped socket distal of the catheter shaft when the inwardly sloped socket is deployed, the catheter shaft having a lumen open on a distal end of the catheter shaft; engaging at least a portion of the stent with the portion of the inwardly sloped socket; and retracting at least the portion of the stent through the portion of the inwardly sloped socket and into the lumen, an outer profile of the portion of the stent being reduced as the portion of the stent is retracted through the portion of the inwardly sloped socket with which the portion of the stent is engaged.