Abstract: A medical device for use in supporting a luminal surface of a human or animal body comprising a catheter, a stent mounted on the distal end of the catheter, the stent comprising a hollow cylindrical first wire segment and a hollow cylindrical second wire segment, and a means on the catheter for releasing the stent in the expanded diameter from the catheter. The first wire segment forms a plurality of spaced-apart first wire segment elements each extending 360 degrees around the hollow cylinder, each of the first wire segment elements having a plurality of extendible portions which permit the first wire segment elements to be expanded from the unexpanded diameter to a second, expanded diameter, the first wire segment proximal end having a straight tail extending proximally and longitudinally therefrom.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implanting a radially expandable stent and separate film within a body vessel. The film is separate from the stent and releasably retained thereon during advancement of the stent to the body vessel. Some methods according to the present invention include steps of providing a collapsed, radially expandable stent; providing a film that is separate from the stent, the film being provided in sheet form; wrapping the film around at least a portion of the stent; and releasably securing the film around the stent with at least one suture or by releasably attaching the first end of the film to a second end of the film. The apparatus according to the present invention include a collapsed, radially expandable stent and a film separate from the stent. The film is releasably attached around the stent by a suture or by releasably attaching the first end of the film to the second end of the film.

Abstract: A stent and catheter device for temporary support of body lumens. The stent has a generally cylindrical continuous winding providing radial support from within a body lumen after implantation which can be implanted and removed by a balloon catheter. The stent is provided with an elongated lead attached to the proximal end of the winding and means at a proximal end of the lead and remote from the winding for uncoiling the winding to facilitate its removal in an opened condition with minimal tissue damage. This stent and catheter device is especially useful as a temporary supporting device for repairing damage to blood vessels caused during angioplasty procedures.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a sheath surrounding the balloon, the sheath having a longitudinal line of weakness and a drug-containing viscous matrix material intermediate between the balloon and the sheath such that when the balloon is positioned and inflated in the body lumen it causes the sheath to burst at the line of weakness and release viscous matrix material onto said body lumen. The device provides accurate placement of the dosage required at the location in need of treatment. The catheter is especially useful in balloon angioplasty procedures.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a sheath surrounding the balloon, the sheath having a longitudinal line of weakness and a drug-containing viscous matrix material intermediate between the balloon and the sheath such that when the balloon is positioned and inflated in the body lumen it causes the sheath to burst at the line of weakness and release viscous matrix material onto said body lumen. The device provides accurate placement of the dosage required at the location in need of treatment. The catheter is especially useful in balloon angioplasty procedures.