Patent ID: 6626934
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
An apparatus for delivery and deployment of an expandable stent within a vessel, the apparatus comprising:a) a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end and a catheter shaft; b) an expandable stent, expandable from a delivery diameter to a deployment diameter, the stent being coaxially mounted on the catheter; and c) securement means coaxially mounted on the catheter near its distal end, remote from the proximal end of the catheter, and over the stent, said securement means comprising: i) a securement sheath having a proximal end, a distal end, an exterior surface and an interior surface, said securement sheath being constructed and arranged for proximal retraction along the catheter shaft to expose the stent, the securement sheath having a plurality of flexibility enhancing elements; and ii) a distal cuff having a proximal end, a distal end, an exterior surface and an interior surface, said distal cuff being mounted near the distal end of the stent and being constructed and arranged to engage the securement sheath at the distal end of the securement sheath until retraction thereof.