Abstract: Methods for making a loaded catheter assembly for delivering a self-expanding stent where the self-expanding stent is carried in a compressed state and the compressed stent has an inside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the catheter distal tip. The methods can utilize catheter sub-assemblies lacking already attached tips or having partially formed distal tips. A stent can be proximally and co-axially slid over the distal end of the catheter shaft and constrained by a retractable sheath disposed co-axially about the compressed stent. The catheter distal tip can be added or more fully formed after the loading of the stent. Some catheters include a preformed distal conical tip held in position by a heat-shrink film. Other catheters have an elastomeric distal tip waist for slipping over and engaging an outward projection on the catheter shaft distal region. Some catheters are adapted to engage catheter shaft distal threaded regions.

Abstract: Methods for making a loaded catheter assembly for delivering a self-expanding stent where the self-expanding stent is carried in a compressed state and the compressed stent has an inside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the catheter distal tip. The methods can utilize catheter sub-assemblies lacking already attached tips or having partially formed distal tips. A stent can be proximally and co-axially slid over the distal end of the catheter shaft and constrained by a retractable sheath disposed co-axially about the compressed stent. The catheter distal tip can be added or more fully formed after the loading of the stent. Some catheters include a preformed distal conical tip held in position by a heat-shrink film. Other catheters have an elastomeric distal tip waist for slipping over and engaging an outward projection on the catheter shaft distal region. Some catheters are adapted to engage catheter shaft distal threaded regions.

Abstract: Inventive catheters are disclosed which employ a variety of devices for preventing unwanted motion of the catheter tip. These methods include the use of a slidably mounted annular shim located in the tip of the catheter which may frictionally engage the guidewire element, and an annular brush with bristles. In the later case, the extent of the frictional engagement between the tip and the guidewire is determined by the orientation of the bristles. The present invention is also directed to a catheter in which unwanted motion is prevented by the presence of a tension/compression cable extending from the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the distal end of the catheter shaft. In the unlocked position, the tension/compression cable has slack in it while in the engaged position, the cable is either under tension or under compression.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-expanding stent delivery system comprising a catheter, a self-expanding stent having a plurality of interconnected expansion cells therein and concentrically arranged around the catheter near the distal end of the catheter, a retractable sheath for covering the stent constructed and arranged for retraction to release the stent to self-expand, and a stent holder abutting the stent for holding the stent in place until the retractable sheath is fully retracted. During retraction of the retractable cover, the stent holder prevents the stent from substantially moving longitudinally until the retractable sheath has been completely removed from the stent.

Abstract: Inventive catheters are disclosed which employ a variety of devices for preventing unwanted motion of the catheter tip. These methods include the use of a slidably mounted annular shim located in the tip of the catheter which may frictionally engage the guidewire element, and an annular brush with bristles. In the later case, the extent of the frictional engagement between the tip and the guidewire is determined by the orientation of the bristles. The present invention is also directed to a catheter in which unwanted motion is prevented by the presence of a tension/compression cable extending from the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the distal end of the catheter shaft. In the unlocked position, the tension/compression cable has slack in it while in the engaged position, the cable is either under tension or under compression.

Abstract: A stent delivery catheter comprising a stiff proximal shaft, a manifold, a distal shaft, a pull back stent release assembly and a pull back wire and a guide wire, both extending through the catheter from the manifold to the distal end of the catheter. The proximal shaft encloses a pull back wire shaft and a guide wire shaft. The proximal shaft may be made of an extruded polymer having two lumens disposed therein to receive the separate wires, keeping them separate.