Abstract: A vascular endoprosthesis (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) includes a radially-expandable first segment and a radially expandable second segment. The vascular endoprosthesis further includes first and second coupling elements. The first coupling element extends from the proximal end of the first segment toward the distal end of the second segment, and the second coupling element extends from the distal end of the second segment toward the proximal end of the first segment. The first and second coupling elements cooperate one with another to couple the first and second segments together when the vascular endoprosthesis is in a delivery configuration and to decouple the first and second segments when the vascular endoprosthesis is in a deployed configuration.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for delivering and deployment of an expandable stent with a protection sheath within a blood vessel is provided. The system comprises a fluid pressure device which is coupled with a retraction device for the protection sheath such that after retraction of the protection sheath the stent is automatically deployed by the fluid pressure device. The advantage of the invention is an easy and simple operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A system for delivering a medical device, such as an angioplasty balloon, includes two catheter shafts. The distal portion of a first shaft includes a first balloon and is narrower than the proximal portion. A second catheter shaft includes a second balloon and is connected to a medial portion of the first shaft. The second shaft includes a guidewire passageway which is in communication with the passageway of a third shaft that is removably connected to the first shaft. The distal tips of the first and second balloons are connected together to allow the system to be advanced to an anatomical site using a single guidewire. A second guidewire may be used to separate the distal ends of the balloons and to position the balloons at vascular bifurcation. A stent can be crimped onto the balloons such that inflation of the balloons implants the stent within the bifurcation.

Abstract: A stent delivery catheter system for accurately positioning a stent in a bifurcated vessel is disclosed. The system includes a catheter having a terminal portion and distal tip that is placed in a main branch of the vessel proximate the bifurcation. A fixed guidewire is attached to distal tip. A port is defined in the terminal portion of the catheter. The port is aligned with an ostium of a side branch of the bifurcated vessel to allow the passage of a stent delivery device, such as a balloon catheter having a stent crimped thereon, into the side branch. Radiopaque bands are positioned on opposite ends of the port. A positioning balloon is included on a surface of the catheter opposite the port and is selectively inflatable to position the radiopaque bands adjacent the side branch ostium. The radiopaque bands are referenced to place the stent proximate the side branch ostium.

Abstract: A stent delivery catheter system for accurately positioning a stent in a bifurcated vessel is disclosed. The system includes a catheter having a terminal portion and distal tip that is placed in a main branch of the vessel proximate the bifurcation. A fixed guidewire is attached to distal tip. A port is defined in the terminal portion of the catheter. The port is aligned with an ostium of a side branch of the bifurcated vessel to allow the passage of a stent delivery device, such as a balloon catheter having a stent crimped thereon, into the side branch. Radiopaque bands are positioned on opposite ends of the port. A positioning balloon is included on a surface of the catheter opposite the port and is selectively inflatable to position the radiopaque bands adjacent the side branch ostium. The radiopaque bands are referenced to place the stent proximate the side branch ostium.

Abstract: A vascular endoprosthesis (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) includes a radially-expandable first segment and a radially expandable second segment. The vascular endoprosthesis further includes first and second coupling elements. The first coupling element extends from the proximal end of the first segment toward the distal end of the second segment, and the second coupling element extends from the distal end of the second segment toward the proximal end of the first segment. The first and second coupling elements cooperate one with another to couple the first and second segments together when the vascular endoprosthesis is in a delivery configuration and to decouple the first and second segments when the vascular endoprosthesis is in a deployed configuration.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for delivering and deployment of an expandable stent with a protection sheath within a blood vessel is provided. The system comprises a fluid pressure device which is coupled with a retraction device for the protection sheath such that after retraction of the protection sheath the stent is automatically deployed by the fluid pressure device. The advantage of the invention is an easy and simple operation of the apparatus.