Abstract: A method of deploying a prosthesis includes restraining the prosthesis within a proximal end of a sheath. A slide ring of a handle is rotated to initiate retraction of the sheath. In this manner, the prosthesis is initially very gradually released. The slide ring is then slid to complete retraction of the sheath and to deploy the prosthesis. In this manner, the sheath is easily and quickly retracted thus rapidly completing deployment of the prosthesis. Rapid deployment of the prosthesis facilitates faster procedure times, thus minimizing the period of time during which blood flow is occluded.

Abstract: A microwave antenna having a curved configuration is described herein. The antenna portion is formed into various shapes whereby the antenna substantially encloses, by a partial or complete loop or enclosure, at least a majority of the tissue to be irradiated. When microwave energy is delivered through the antenna, the curved configuration forms an ablation field or region defined by the curved antenna and any tissue enclosed within the ablation region becomes irradiated by the microwave energy. The microwave antenna is deployed through one of several methods, and multiple curved antennas can be used in conjunction with one another. Moreover, RF energy can also be used at the distal tip of the antenna to provide a cutting tip for the antenna during deployment in tissue.

Abstract: Methods and articles for fabricating expansive stents having generally cylindrical configurations with a pattern therein include interconnecting portions from a generally planar sheet of material with a central portion. A pattern is formed in the sheet of material around said central portion corresponding to said pattern having interconnecting portions. The pattern has a generally circular outer margin. The pattern is separated from the sheet of material and causes relative movement between the central portion of the pattern and the outer circular margin in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the central portion. The pattern is transformed from one sheet form into one in cylindrical form to provide an expansible stent having a generally cylindrical configuration.

Abstract: Methods and articles for fabricating expansive stents having generally cylindrical configurations with a pattern therein include interconnecting portions from a generally planar sheet of material with a central portion. A pattern is formed in the sheet of material around said central portion corresponding to said pattern having interconnecting portions. The pattern has a generally circular outer margin. The pattern is separated from the sheet of material and causes relative movement between the central portion of the pattern and the outer circular margin in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the central portion. The pattern is transformed from one sheet form into one in cylindrical form to provide an expansible stent having a generally cylindrical configuration.