Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for removably securing a stent which generally includes an expandable member of a catheter assembly, the expandable member having outwardly extending protrusions. An expandable stent is crimped onto the expandable member such that the protrusions extend into the gaps in the stent. The stent is secured in place on the expandable member while advancing the system through tortuous body lumen passages. The stent is implanted at the desired location in the body lumen by inflating the expandable member and thereby expanding the stent into the body lumen. The protrusions are pulled away from and out of the stent gaps by deflating the expandable member and retracting the remainder of the system.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided for use in delivering and implanting a stent in a body lumen, such as in a coronary artery. An elongated catheter body includes an expandable member or balloon having a folded configuration and an expanded configuration wherein a plurality of pre-formed grooves extending generally circumferentially around the balloon when the balloon is in its folded configuration. An intravascular stent is removably crimped over the balloon and is at least partially retained on the balloon by the grooves. Upon inflation of the balloon, the grooves will flatten out thereby releasing the stent and allowing the stent to expand radially outwardly into contact with the body lumen or coronary artery.

Abstract: A catheter system for removably securing a stent which generally includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member with an expandable member disposed about the inner tubular member. A deformable material is disposed between the expandable member and the inner tubular member. An expandable stent is crimped onto the expandable member and is retained in place by compressing the deformable material. Used with a stent delivery system, the catheter system is inserted into a body lumen such as an artery. The stent is secured in place while advancing the system through tortuous body lumen passages. The stent is advanced to the desired location in the body lumen and implanted by inflating the expandable member and thereby expanding the stent into the body lumen. The stent is released from the system by deflating the expandable member and withdrawing the catheter system from the body.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for removably securing a stent which generally includes an expandable member of a catheter assembly, the expandable member having outwardly extending protrusions. An expandable stent is crimped onto the expandable member such that the protrusions extend into the gaps in the stent. The stent is secured in place on the expandable member while advancing the system through tortuous body lumen passages. The stent is implanted at the desired location in the body lumen by inflating the expandable member and thereby expanding the stent into the body lumen. The protrusions are pulled away from and out of the stent gaps by deflating the expandable member and retracting the remainder of the system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for removably securing a stent which generally includes an expandable member of a catheter assembly, the expandable member having outwardly extending protrusions. An expandable stent is crimped onto the expandable member such that the protrusions extend into the gaps in the stent. The stent is secured in place on the expandable member while advancing the system through tortuous body lumen passages. The stent is implanted at the desired location in the body lumen by inflating the expandable member and thereby expanding the stent into the body lumen. The protrusions are pulled away from and out of the stent gaps by deflating the expandable member and retracting the remainder of the system.