Patent ID: 8506614

Claim:
A system for delivering a stent into an anatomical structure, the system comprising: an outer tubular structure having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface defining an outer lumen, and an outer surface; an inner elongated structure having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner surface defining an inner lumen, the inner elongated structure being disposed inside the outer lumen; and a plurality of contact areas projecting radially outward from the inner elongated structure and arranged sequentially along a length of the inner elongated structure, wherein each of the contact areas is spaced apart from an adjacent contact area by an exposed outer surface of the inner elongated structure, wherein the plurality of contact areas increase in flexibility from the proximal end of the inner elongated structure to the distal end of the inner elongated structure, wherein the plurality of contact areas are positioned proximal of the stent.