Abstract: A deployment assembly (10) for an introducer used for introducing into a patient a stent or other device, the deployment assembly including a housing 30 carrying a sprung loaded (90) actuator (44,50). The actuator includes a toothed wheel (50) carrying a spool (48) around which a retraction strap (44) can be wound. The strap (44) is coupled to a body member (26) of the introducer and through this to the outer sheath (14) thereof. A trigger (16) is provided for operating the actuator (44, 50). When the trigger (16) is pressed, the actuator winds, under the force produced by the spring (90), the strap (44) to thereby retract the outer sheath (14) so as to expose and then deploy the device carried on the introducer. The mechanism is such that a surgeon need not expend his own energy to retract the outer sheath (14) since this force is provided by the spring (90).

Abstract: A multi-section tubular device suitable for use as a stent is provided. The multisection tubular device includes a first tubular section (12) having a first end and a second end. A second tubular section (18) is connected to the first end of the first tubular section and a third tubular section (20) is connected to the second end of the first tubular section. The first tubular section is more flexible than the second and third tubular sections. One advantage is that the coiled first tubular section is highly flexible axially, radially, and torsionally, which makes the multi-section tubular device resistant to kinking or fracturing.

Abstract: A deployment assembly (10) for an introducer used for introducing into a patient a stent or other device, the deployment assembly including a housing 30 carrying a sprung loaded (90) actuator (44, 50). The actuator includes a toothed wheel (50) carrying a spool (48) around which a retraction strap (44) can be wound. The strap (44) is coupled to a body member (26) of the introducer and through this to the outer sheath (14) thereof. A trigger (16) is provided for operating the actuator (44, 50). When the trigger (16) is pressed, the actuator winds, under the force produced by the spring (90), the strap (44) to thereby retract the outer sheath (14) so as to expose and then deploy the device carried on the introducer. The mechanism is such that a surgeon need not expend his own energy to retract the outer sheath (14) since this force is provided by the spring (90).