Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent deployment apparatus comprising safety and stent placement and deployment features. An exemplary stent deployment apparatus includes a longitudinally extending outer tubular member and a safety mechanism coupled thereto, wherein the safety mechanism includes a diverted channel. The apparatus also includes a longitudinally extending inner tubular member being longitudinally and axially displaceable relative to the outer tubular member, wherein the inner tubular member further comprises at least one detent along the longitudinal expanse thereof for operative interaction with the diverted channel. The extent of displaceability of the outer tubular member and inner tubular member relative to the other is limited to a predetermined threshold corresponding to engagement of the detent with the diverted channel absent intervention by the user of the device such that the degree of stent deployment is limited absent the user intervention.

Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent deployment apparatus comprising safety and stent placement and deployment features. An exemplary stent deployment apparatus includes a longitudinally extending outer tubular member and a safety mechanism coupled thereto, wherein the safety mechanism includes a diverted channel. The apparatus also includes a longitudinally extending inner tubular member being longitudinally and axially displaceable relative to the outer tubular member, wherein the inner tubular member further comprises at least one detent along the longitudinal expanse thereof for operative interaction with the diverted channel. The extent of displaceability of the outer tubular member and inner tubular member relative to the other is limited to a predetermined threshold corresponding to engagement of the detent with the diverted channel absent intervention by the user of the device such that the degree of stent deployment is limited absent the user intervention.

Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent deployment apparatus comprising excellent safety and stent placement and deployment features. An exemplary stent deployment apparatus in accordance with the present invention can facilitate the precise delivery of stents in a safe and repeatable fashion. In particular, a preferred deployment apparatus allows the physician to concentrate on correct placement without having to estimate extent of deployment by providing a physical safety mechanism that limits deployment to the critical deployment point. Moreover, to exceed this threshold, an audible and/or tactile indicator informs the physician that she can no longer retract the stent beyond this point. The stent deployment apparatus guidewire may also be extended rather than retracting the outer catheter to deliver the stent.

Abstract: A radially self-expanding stent particularly suited for treating esophageal strictures, includes a medial region and proximal and distal cuffs having diameters greater than the medial region diameter when the stent is in the relaxed state. A silicone coating circumscribes the medial region, but the cuffs are not coated and retain their open weave construction. As a result, the cuffs remain particularly well suited to immediately contact esophageal wall tissue and resist stent migration, while the silicone coated medial region provides a barrier to tumor ingrowth, and has an enhanced radial restoring force to maintain an open passageway in the esophagus. A deployment device for the stent includes an interior catheter surrounded by the stent and having an esophageal dilation feature, along with an exterior catheter that radially compresses the stent.

Abstract: A radially self-expanding stent particularly suited for treating esophageal strictures, includes a medial region and proximal and distal cuffs having diameters greater than the medial region diameter when the stent is in the relaxed state. A silicone coating circumscribes the medial region, but the cuffs are not coated and retain their open weave construction. As a result, the cuffs remain particularly well suited to immediately contact esophageal wall tissue and resist stent migration, while the silicone coated medial region provides a barrier to tumor ingrowth, and has an enhanced radial restoring force to maintain an open passageway in the esophagus. A deployment device for the stent includes an interior catheter surrounded by the stent and having an esophageal dilation feature, along with an exterior catheter that radially compresses the stent.

Abstract: A radially self-expanding stent having multiple layers includes a medial region and proximal and distal cuffs having diameters greater than the medial region diameter when the stent is in the relaxed state. A silicone coating circumscribes at least the medial region of the stent. A deployment device for the stent includes an inner tube surrounded by the stent along with an outer tube that radially compresses the stent. A low durometer sleeve, fixed to the inner tube and in surface engagement with the compressed stent, tends to fix the axial position of the stent relative to the inner tube whenever the outer tube is moved axially relative to the inner tube. Consequently, precision in stent placement and the ability to recapture a partially deployed stent are enhanced.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying a radially self-expanding stent includes proximal and distal sleeves respectively containing proximal and distal end portions of the stent in a reduced radius delivery configuration. The sleeves can abut one another and thus contain the entire length of the stent, or may be used in combination with an outer catheter surrounding the sleeves and containing the medial region of the stent. In either event, once the stent and sleeves are positioned at the intended fixation site, the sleeves are moved axially with respect to one another to permit radial self-expansion of the stent only over its medial region, while the sleeves continue to contain the axially outward regions of the stent. Eventually, upon sufficient movement of the sleeves axially relative to one another, the stent becomes totally free of the sleeves, resulting in radial expansion over the entire stent length.