Abstract: A deployment system and method for an expandable stent are described. The deployment system includes an expandable stent in an unexpanded state and a first tubular sheath having one or more first flaps extending from a distal end thereof. The one or more first flaps overlie one or more first longitudinal portions of the stent. A second tubular sheath may overlie the first tubular sheath. The deployment method includes advancing a deployment system including an expandable stent in an unexpanded state to a treatment site in a body vessel. At the treatment site, one or more second longitudinal portions of the stent are radially expanded to partially deploy the stent, and then one or more first longitudinal portions of the stent are radially expanded to fully deploy the stent. Each of the first and second longitudinal portions preferably extends from a proximal end to a distal end of the stent.

Abstract: A low profile, two lumen dilator is provided for an arteriotomy closure system. The dilator includes a first lumen adapted to receive a guidewire and a second lumen having a proximal segment that defines a blood marking lumen and a distal segment that receives the distal ends of stabilizers in a common pocket. The blood marking lumen and pocket are arranged in tandem. The guidewire lumen may extend the full length of the dilator or may be shortened to provide rapid exchange capability.

Abstract: In a device for the installation of a compression sleeve around a blood vessel, including a guide element for holding the blood vessel, and a carrier for holding the compression sleeve in a bent-open state in which the carrier and the compression sleeve are supported at the distal end of the installation device, the installation device includes a push element for pushing the compression sleeve off the carrier while the blood vessel is disposed in the bent-open compression sleeve so that, upon its release from the carrier, the compression sleeve extends tightly around the blood vessel.