Patent ID: 7655031
Filing Date: 2010-02-02
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of deploying an expandable stent within a body vessel, the method comprising: providing a self-expanding stent and delivery system, wherein a thin wall of the stent is mounted about a distal portion of an elongated core member of the delivery system in a compressed condition having a compressed inner radius, the stent having an anchor member extending away from the thin wall, and wherein a distal portion of the anchor member is engageable with an extending portion of a non-cylindrical retraction member disposed at the distal portion of the elongated core member, the extending portion of the retraction member having a radius greater than the compressed inner radius of the thin wall, and the delivery system includes a deployment catheter disposed about the stent to compress same onto the distal portion of the core member; inserting the stent and at least a portion of the delivery system into a body vessel; positioning the stent adjacent to a defect of the body vessel; moving the deployment catheter proximally with respect to the elongated core member, allowing the stent to begin expanding within the body vessel; and further moving the deployment catheter proximally with respect to the elongated core member, allowing the stent to fully deploy.