Patent ID: 8118853

Claim:
A system for delivering and deploying an expandable endoluminal prosthesis, the system comprising: a distal end portion defining a prosthesis delivery section and a proximal end portion defining an external manipulation section; an elongate sheath having a proximal end disposed at the proximal end portion of the system, a distal end disposed at the distal end portion of the system, and an inner lumen; a delivery catheter having a proximal end disposed at the proximal end portion of the system and a distal end disposed at the distal end portion of the system, wherein the delivery catheter is slidably disposed within the sheath lumen; and an operating mechanism comprising a contractible air vessel disposed entirely at the external manipulation section and having an expanded length and a contracted length, the air vessel coupling the sheath and the delivery catheter, so that pneumatic contraction of the air vessel causes the sheath to retract proximally over the delivery catheter, wherein the air vessel comprises a resilient tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen disposed therebetween, the tubular member being radially disposed about the sheath and the delivery catheter, the distal end of the tubular member sealingly engaging the sheath and the proximal end of the tubular member sealingly engaging the delivery catheter, whereby the tubular member, the sheath, and the delivery catheter define an annular air chamber therebetween.