Patent ID: 6629992
Filing Date: 2003-10-07
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A catheter assembly for delivering an endoprosthesis within a body lumen, comprising:a catheter; an expandable member; an endoprosthesis disposed on the expandable member, the endoprosthesis having a distal end and a proximal end; and a biocompatible material positioned on and heat bonded to the endoprosthesis, wherein the biocompatible material is configured to prevent expansion of the endoprosthesis; wherein the biocompatible material comprises a sheath that surrounds a portion of the endoprosthesis, the sheath having a length less than the length of the endoprosthesis, and the sheath being positioned on the endoprosthesis so that the sheath does not overlie the distal end and the proximal end of the endoprosthesis.