Patent ID: 6676691
Filing Date: 2004-01-13
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A stent system for emplacement in a branched vessel having first and second passages, comprising:a. a first portion, said first portion including a wall forming a first lumen therethrough, said first portion constructed of a material permitting the expansion of said wall from a collapsed configuration to an expanded position; b. a second portion, said second portion including a wall forming a second lumen, said second portion constructed of a material permitting the expansion of said wall from a collapsed configuration to an expanded and protracted configuration relative to said first portion, said first portion connecting to said second portion to form a stent unit, said first lumen communicating with said second lumen, said first portion forming a recess when said first portion assumes said collapsed configuration, said second portion at least partially occupying said recess, said second portion moved from and positioned outside said first portion recess when assuming said protracted configuration; and c. a sheath having an external surface and a chamber therewithin, said sheath extending over said stent unit to position said stent unit in said chamber, said sheath including an elongated body terminating in an end portion, said sheath end portion including first and second opening passing from the external surface of said sheath to said sheath chamber, said sheath end portion further including a first element and a second element, said first and second elements formed of a material more flexible than the material forming said elongated body of said sheath, said first element being separated from said second element to form a gap, said gap enlarging upon retraction of said sheath from said first and second portion.