Patent ID: 8103361

Claim:
A combination of: an implantable intraluminal or intravascular device and an apparatus for positioning said implantable device in a body lumen, said implantable device comprising: an expandable section having a variable dimension, said variable dimension allowing a compressed value for delivery to said body lumen and an expanded value, larger than said compressed value, for implantation in said body lumen; a link section, at one end of said device comprising a grip, for joining said device to a catheter, and for applying an axial force on said device; at least one sensor joined to said device; said apparatus for positioning comprising: a flexible catheter inserted into a flexible sleeve; a grasp section, fixed to the tip of said catheter, for cooperating with said link section of said implantable device, said grasp section comprising at least two opposed flexible fingers; said flexible sleeve interacting with said flexible fingers for opening and closing them on said link section; wherein said flexible sleeve interacts with said implantable device by forcing it to assume said compressed values of said variable dimension, when said device is pulled by said flexible catheter into said flexible sleeve wherein said expanded value is larger than an outer diameter of said apparatus for positioning.