Abstract: An apparatus for delivering an implant within a lumen or passageway is provided. The apparatus comprises a flexible, hollow outer member having an elongated section that is inserted into and navigated through the lumen of passageway. The implant is mounted within the distal end of the elongated section. An elongated fluid chamber is defined within the outer member between two valves or seals. The valves or seals permit fluid flow in a pre-determined direction during loading of fluid into the chamber, but prevent fluid to exit the chamber during deployment of the implant. A shaft is in contact with the proximal end of the fluid column. During deployment, the shaft is held in a fixed position and the outer member actuated in a proximal direction. The implant exerts compressive forces on the outer member as it is actuated proximally. These forces are transmitted to the fluid column which resists buckling.

Abstract: A method for pre-loading an implant delivery apparatus and for delivering an implant is provided. An implant is mounted within the distal end of an elongated section of a delivery apparatus. After the implant is mounted within the elongated section, fluid is drawn into a chamber within the delivery apparatus that is proximal to the implant. This is accomplished by drawing fluid, such as a biocompatible liquid, into the chamber by applying pressure to a port. The fluid is trapped inside the chamber forming a liquid column. The elongated section is advanced through a lumen or passageway delivering the implant to a desired location. A shaft, which is in communication with the fluid column, is held stationary and the elongated section retracted deploying the implant. As the elongated section is retracted, the implant exerts forces upon the elongated section that are transmitted to the fluid column which resists buckling.