Patent ID: 7258696
Filing Date: 2007-08-21
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for deploying, retrieving and/or repositioning a stent having a shape memory, comprising: an elongate catheter assembly having proximal and distal end regions; a thermal transfer device including a balloon member operatively connected to said catheter assembly defining a chamber having a thermal transfer wall, at least a part of which constitutes a thermal transfer material; circulation means for providing an inflow of thermal transfer fluid into the interior of said chamber for transferring thermal energy to a stent through said outer thermal transfer wall to adjust the temperature of the stent, and for providing an outflow of thermal transfer fluid from the interior of said chamber to said proximal end region of said catheter assembly; and stent-capturing means situated at said distal end region of said catheter assembly and proximal to the thermal transfer device for releasably capturing said stent during deployment, retrieval and/or repositioning; wherein said catheter assembly comprises at least one core catheter, and wherein said balloon member has a distal end sealed in fluid sealing relationship around the circumference of said core catheter and a proximal end also sealed in fluid sealing relationship around the circumference of said core catheter; and wherein said circulation means comprise at least one-pair of inflow and outflow lumens formed in said core catheter substantially between said proximal and distal end regions of said catheter assembly; said lumens having distal ends opening at ports into the interior of said chamber.