Patent ID: 7578828

Claim:
A device for placing an implantable fluid conduit comprising a stent in fluid communication with a lumen of a target vessel of a body, the device comprising: a handle; a support member having a distal end and a proximal end upon which at least a portion of the length of the implantable fluid conduit can be mounted, wherein the support member comprises a bore extending through its length, wherein the proximal end is fixed to the handle and the distal end comprises a conduit stop member for maintaining the conduit in position on the support member; a shaft comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the shaft is movably received by the bore of the support member, wherein the shaft comprises a bore extending through its length; a conduit retention device provided at the distal end of the shaft, wherein the conduit retention device comprises a sheath portion with a cavity having an open end that is configured and sized to be placed over at least an end portion of the conduit comprising the stent when the conduit is mounted on the support member; a dilator provided at the distal end of the shaft distal the conduit retention device for introducing the device into the lumen of the target vessel, wherein the dilator comprises at least one tapered surface; an incising member comprising a sharpened tip for penetrating a wall of the target vessel, wherein the incising member is movably received by the bore of the shaft; an actuator assembly coupled to the handle for moving the conduit retention device distally relative to the support member by way of the shaft, so as to permit removal of the cavity of the sheath portion from the end portion of the conduit, wherein the actuator assembly comprises a rack and pinion mechanism; and a retention device withdrawal member that is movably supported relative to the support member and configured to substantially engage the sheath portion at the open end so as to provide a substantially smooth outer profile for withdrawal of the conduit retention device from the lumen of the target vessel.