Abstract: A delivery apparatus for a self-expanding stent allows for ease of repositioning. The apparatus includes an outer sheath made from an elongated tubular member having distal and proximal ends, and an inner shaft located coaxially within the outer sheath. The shaft has a distal end and a proximal end. The shaft includes a removable member on an exterior surface thereof adjacent to its proximal end. The removable member being sized such that it prevents the sheath from sliding along the shaft proximal to the member until it is removed therefrom. Preferably, the distal end of the shaft further including at least two grooves disposed thereon. Preferably the apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical self-expanding stent located within the sheath. The self-expanding member having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis extending therebetween and an interior.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter comprises a proximal housing carried on a tubular catheter body. The housing carries a slit, elastomeric partition valve which comprises a barrier wall positioned to block flow through the lumen of the catheter body, while permitting an elongated member such as a catheter to pass through the valve into the lumen without substantial back leakage of blood. The slit comprises a plurality of intersecting radii which rotate in spiral manner as the slit extends through the barrier wall to define a slit shaped of the intersecting radii of a first diameter on one side of the barrier wall. The slit spirals down to a lesser diameter on the other side of the barrier wall. Thus, advancement of a catheter or the like through the valve is facilitated, and back-leakage through the valve around the catheter is suppressed. Specifically, the intravascular catheter of this invention may be a catheter sheath introducer.