Abstract: A stent delivery system to facilitate introduction and placement of a stent, including a catheter having an expandable distal portion constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of the catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state. The stent is positioned around the distal portion of the catheter and is thereby expanded. The system further comprises retaining sleeves which are attached to the catheter and abut the ends of the stent to prevent axial movement and to aid in the retention of the stent.

Abstract: A stent delivery system to facilitate introduction and placement of a stent, including a catheter having an expandable distal portion constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of the catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state: a stent positioned around the distal portion of the catheter having a contracted condition and being expandable to an expanded condition, and being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, the expandable distal portion of the catheter including a balloon within which there is included on the catheter shaft at least one body of a diameter larger than the catheter shaft to which the stent and balloon are fitted, as by crimping, for holding the stent in place until it is released therefrom by expansion of the balloon.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of making a guide wire for use in medical procedures in general and cardiovascular procedures in particular. A core wire is formed as the inner member. A distal helix is fixedly attached to the distal end of the core wire. The core wire has tapers or is continuously tapered to achieve the desired handling characteristics. The distal helix is space wound, space wound and close wound, double wound, and/or ground to provide the desired radioscopic signature.