Abstract: A stent deployment device (10) includes a catheter (12), a stent (14) positioned on the catheter (12), and a sleeve (16) carried on the catheter (12). The sleeve (16) has a portion (18) extending fully over and containing the stent (14). The stent deployment device (10) also includes a mechanism (20) for splitting at least the portion (18) of the sleeve (16) extending over the stent (14) and, preferably, for splitting the entire sleeve (16). Splitting of the sleeve portion (18) permits expansion of the stent (14). The mechanism (20) can include an inflatable, nondistending balloon (22) carried on the catheter (12), the stent (14) and the sleeve portion (18) being positioned over the balloon (22). The stent (14) can be self-expanding or can be expanded by the balloon (22) itself. Alternatively, the mechanism (20) can include a bulbous end (24) on the catheter (12).

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis stent provides an interior surface that reduces hemodynamic disturbances which interfere with blood flow through the stent and minimizes the reactive tissue response. More particularly, the vascular stent is constructed from a continuous wire that is half-round (i.e., semi-circular) in transverse cross-section. In a completed stent, the semi-circular wire profiles are all on the exterior of the stent body while the planar portions of the wire are all on the interior, with the result that the interior of the stent, comprised of the cross-sectional diameters of the wires, provides a generally smooth surface that minimizes blood flow turbulence, and minimizes the amount of tissue reaction necessary to incorporate the stent into the vessel wall.

Abstract: A vascular stent includes a continuous wire which is formed into a substantially tubular body having a plurality of oblong, open cells which are staggered around the circumference of the tube. When the body is formed in its unexpanded state, the long sides of each oblong cell are arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body. Adjoining cells may then be bonded together at a point between adjacent parallel sides on a cell. When the body is expanded, the adjacent sides of each cell extend oblique to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A vascular stent for reducing hemodynamic disturbances caused by angioplasty. The stent is formed from a single filament of low memory biocompatible material having a series of U-shaped bends. The filament is wrapped around a mandril, in a circular fashion, in order to align the curved portions of each bend which may then be connected. The stent provides a maximum amount of structural support for the lumen while minimizing hemodynamic disturbances inside the lumen.

Abstract: A vascular stent includes at least one filament formed into a wave-like pattern, the filament being wound into a substantially spiral shape; and a device for connecting at least one end of the filament to slide on a another portion of the filament so as to form a hoop at each end of the spiral shape.