Patent ID: 6776791
Filing Date: 2004-08-17
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A method for inserting a stent into a deployment catheter, said deployment catheter comprising an outer tube, a plunger at least partially disposed within said outer tube and having a longitudinal dimension, and a stent engagement means connected to a distal end of the plunger for engaging a proximal end of a stent such that the stent engagement means is expandable away from the longitudinal dimension of the plunger, comprising the steps of:a) permitting the stent engagement means to expand away from the longitudinal dimension of the plunger; b) engaging the stent engagement means and a proximal end of the stent; c) cooling the stent; and d) moving the plunger and outer tube relative to each other such that the stent is pulled into and disposed within the outer tube; wherein the stent engagement means comprises one or more L-shaped hook-like elements.