Abstract: A device for trans-luminal delivery of a self-expanding stent or other surgical device and which is designed for rapid exchange over a guidewire has a guidewire lumen that adjacent its proximal exit port lies side-by-side with the line of the shaft of the device. A sleeve which surrounds and confines the stent has a proximal end that is shaped around the guidewire exit port to show in profile a shape reminiscent of the nose of a dolphin. In preferred embodiments, the sleeve also has a tapered distal tip that is withdrawn proximally over the length of the stent to release it, progressively, from its distal end. The configuration delivers simplicity of design, enhanced performance and reliability in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a force-transmitting element for a medical catheter. The element may, for example, be used in catheter introducers or stent delivery systems. An embodiment of the present invention may comprise a tube and a tubular sleeve, wherein the tube has formed through the wall thickness a plurality of axially-distributed slits formed so that the extent of each slit in the circumferential direction exceeds half of the circumference of the tube such that, when the tube is longitudinally flexed into a curve, the slits on the outside of the curve become relatively more opened and, when the element is subject to no external endwise compressive forces, the tube is retained by the tubular sleeve in a state of endwise compression such that the slits are relatively more closed than if the sleeve were absent.

Abstract: A device for trans-luminal delivery of a self-expanding stent or other surgical device and which is designed for rapid exchange over a guidewire has a guidewire lumen that adjacent its proximal exit port lies side-by-side with the line of the shaft of the device. A sleeve which surrounds and confines the stent has a proximal end that is shaped around the guidewire exit port to show in profile a shape reminiscent of the nose of a dolphin. In preferred embodiments, the sleeve also has a tapered distal tip that is withdrawn proximally over the length of the stent to release it, progressively, from its distal end. The configuration delivers simplicity of design, enhanced performance and reliability in use.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a device (1) for moving an elongate member relative to an. elongate body through which it extends, the device comprising: a housing (10) connectable to the elongate body; a mover (20) associated with the housing and connectable to the elongate member for moving the elongate member relative to the housing and relative to a connected elongate body; and a pre-mover (40) for adjusting an elongate member connected to the mover relative to an elongate body connected to the housing in preparation for moving the elongate member with the mover. There is also disclosed a related surgical apparatus.