Patent ID: 6187013
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: A61F,A61M

Abstract:
A catheter system for introducing and implanting a stent member in a body comprising:a catheter member having first and second ends, said first end having an inflatable portion, a lumen in fluid communication with said inflatable portion and said second end to provide means for inflating said inflatable portion; andan expandable stent member capable of permanent deformation when expanded, at least a portion of said stent member being releasably attached to said inflatable portion by a bond, said bond being capable of adhesively connecting said stent member to said inflatable portion with an adhesive force which is less powerful than a shear force applied by the inflatable portion upon inflation of said inflatable portion such that said bond is capable of separating from said stent member and remaining with said inflatable portion upon release of said stent member from said inflatable portion upon inflation of said inflatable portion to permit deployment of said stent member and removal of said catheter member.