Abstract: A mounting and transfer device and method for installing a stent on a delivery device that inserts the stent into a body lumen. The device includes a generally cylindrical mandrel for receiving and frictionally holding a stent, a handle at a first end of the mandrel and a guide rod extending axially from the second of the mandrel. The second end of the mandrel has a conical recess surrounding the guide rod exit. In use, a stent is placed on the mandrel, the distal end of the guide rod is fully inserted into a guide wire lumen at an end a delivery system such as a catheter and the stent is slid from the mandrel onto the balloon and crimped in place. A tube of heat shrinkable material may be placed over the stent on the mandrel and heat shrunk to lightly press against the stent. The tube and stent are transferred to the balloon and crimped.

Abstract: An elastomeric compression unit forming a balloon protector for a catheter and a catheter system having the balloon protector are disclosed. The balloon protector is formed of an elastomeric tube, preferably silicone, lined with lubricious material. The lubricious lining may be a coating such as silicone or may be a Teflon.TM. tube. The Teflon.TM. tube is split longitudinally, so that the compressive forces of the protector are transmitted through it to the balloon. In the preferred embodiment, the split is made tangential to the inner surface of the Teflon.TM. tube. In the catheter system, the inner lumen is preferably non-compressible, or a stylet is inserted within it to preclude its compression.