Abstract: A delivery system is provided for self-expanding medical devices, such as stents. The delivery system has a restraining sheath that maintains the stent in a compressed state prior to deployment. The restraining sheath terminates distally from the deployment handle, and a wire connects the restraining sheath to the deployment handle. The restraining sheath is withdrawn from the stent to deploy the stent by pulling the wires proximally at the deployment handle.

Abstract: A delivery system is provided for self-expanding medical devices, such as stents. The delivery system has a restraining sheath that maintains the stent in a compressed state prior to deployment. The restraining sheath terminates distally from the deployment handle, and a wire connects the restraining sheath to the deployment handle. The restraining sheath is withdrawn from the stent to deploy the stent by pulling the wires proximally at the deployment handle.

Abstract: An introducer sheath includes an elongated tubular member having a passageway extending generally longitudinally therethrough. The passageway is defined by an inner surface of the tubular member and configured to receive a medical device movably disposed therein. The introducer sheath further includes a reinforcing member engaged with the inner surface of the tubular member and extending into the passageway such that a non-uniform surface for receiving the medical device is defined thereby. The reinforcing member also has a surface therein suitable for facilitating movement of the medical device through the passageway.

Abstract: A delivery system for a self-expanding medical device is provided. The delivery system includes an outer sheath that radially restrains the medical device. First and second inner catheters are disposed within the outer sheath. The first inner catheter is a composite structure with a closed coil wire covered by a polymer outer layer. The second inner catheter is disposed within the closed coil wire but is not attached to the closed coil wire.

Abstract: An introducer sheath has a proximal segment and distal segment. The proximal segment includes an inner portion, and a polymeric outer covering portion. The inner portion is formed from a plurality of elongated strands circularly positioned around a longitudinal axis. Each strand includes axial twist portions arranged to define a generally helical strand profile, wherein the twist portions are complementary with twist portions of adjacent strands to define the tubular segment. A tubular distal segment is dimensioned to receive an elongated stent for deployment. The length of the proximal segment is greater than the length of the distal segment, and the outer diameter of the distal segment may exceed that of the proximal segment. A stability sheath may be received over the proximal segment to enhance the stability of the sheath.

Abstract: A delivery system is provided for self-expanding medical devices, such as stents. The delivery system has a restraining sheath that maintains the stent in a compressed state prior to deployment. The restraining sheath terminates distally from the deployment handle, and a wire connects the restraining sheath to the deployment handle. The restraining sheath is withdrawn from the stent to deploy the stent by pulling the wires proximally at the deployment handle.

Abstract: An introducer sheath includes an elongated tubular member having a passageway extending generally longitudinally therethrough. The passageway is defined by an inner surface of the tubular member and configured to receive a medical device movably disposed therein. The introducer sheath further includes a reinforcing member engaged with the inner surface of the tubular member and extending into the passageway such that a non-uniform surface for receiving the medical device is defined thereby. The reinforcing member also has a surface therein suitable for facilitating movement of the medical device through the passageway.

Abstract: An introducer sheath has a proximal segment and distal segment. The proximal segment includes an inner portion, and a polymeric outer covering portion. The inner portion is formed from a plurality of elongated strands circularly positioned around a longitudinal axis. Each strand includes axial twist portions arranged to define a generally helical strand profile, wherein the twist portions are complementary with twist portions of adjacent strands to define the tubular segment. A tubular distal segment is dimensioned to receive an elongated stent for deployment. The length of the proximal segment is greater than the length of the distal segment, and the outer diameter of the distal segment may exceed that of the proximal segment. A stability sheath may be received over the proximal segment to enhance the stability of the sheath.

Abstract: A balloon catheter with a rod embedded within a catheter shaft is provided. The catheter shaft can have a polymer filled solid body with an inflation lumen and a guidewire lumen extending at least partially therethrough. A balloon member can be attached to a distal end of the shaft. The embedded rod is extended through at least a portion of the polymer filled solid body along the inflation and guidewire lumens. The rod is preferably in non-translatable contact with the shaft body. The rod can be disposed within the balloon region of the shaft to increase the tensile strength of that region. To increase pushability and tractability of the balloon catheter, the rod may include a first length with a diameter and a second length with a lesser diameter, with a tapered region interposed between the first and second lengths.