Abstract: A guide wire includes a core shaft, a coil body which covers the core shaft, and a coating film which covers the coil body. Portions of the coating film are disposed between adjacent coils of coil body, and gaps are formed between the coils and the portions of the coating film disposed between the adjacent coils. Due to this configuration, the coating the film can be easily bent, and thus the coil body may easily bend. As a result, it is possible to ensure lubricity of guide wire within the blood vessel while also enabling the guide wire to follow the shape of the blood vessel in which it is inserted.

Abstract: A wire guide and methods for making the same is provided. The method includes joining a proximal core wire comprised of a stiff material to a distal core wire comprised of a highly elastic wire material. The proximal core wire may have a recess at a distal face and the distal core wire is secured within the recess. The recess may be machined into the distal face of the proximal core wire. The distal core wire may be a coaxial wire having a sleeve of material that is easily weldable to the proximal core wire. The sleeve is welded to the proximal core wire and a distal portion of the sleeve is then removed to expose the distal core wire.

Abstract: A sensor guide wire assembly having a button-cell type battery includes a transmitter unit configured to be connected to a sensor guide wire that is insertable into a patient to measure a parameter, the transmitter unit being configured to wirelessly transfer data representing the measured parameter to a communication unit. The transmitter unit includes a housing, a printed circuit board holder disposed in the housing, and a printed circuit board disposed in the housing and held by the printed circuit board holder. The printed circuit board includes a plurality of electrical contacts. A slider is slidable from a location outside the housing, the slider including a protrusion extending into an area inside the housing. A space within the housing is configured to hold one or more batteries.

Abstract: An improved handle for a steerable catheter apparatus steerably manipulated by steering wires or rods, and including an elongated housing having one end thereof adapted for attachment to the proximal end of the steerable catheter; a steering actuator carried by the housing and including an elongated lever pivotally affixed to the housing and rotatable about an axis transverse to both the length of the housing and the length of the lever and further having an end thereof attached to the steering wires or rods of the catheter to cause deformation of at least a portion of the catheter; and a locking mechanism carried by the lever for selectively locking the steering actuator in place relative to the housing during at least a portion of the time of use of the catheter apparatus.

Abstract: A guidewire (10) includes a flexible elongated core (20) having a proximal end (22) and a distal end (24). An anchor wire (10) has a distal end (34) connected to the distal end (24) of the core (20) and a distally located helical portion (50) that encircles the core. The guidewire (10) has an anchoring condition in which the helical portion (50) is expanded radially away from the core (20). The guidewire (10) has an advancing condition in which the helical portion (50) is stretched longitudinally and contracted radially in response to tension on the anchor wire (30).

Abstract: The present invention refers to a detection device for the in vivo and/or in vitro enrichment of sample material, the detection device comprising a functional surface equipped with detection receptors. To further improve the enrichment of sample material by using a detection device of the aforementioned type, it is provided according to the invention that the functional surface has a three-dimensional structure with mutually facing functional sections which form spaces that can be filled with a sample liquid. Furthermore, the present invention provides for a use and for a method for the use of the detection device.

Abstract: A guide member facilitates a device swap for brachytherapy treatment. A cavity evaluation device is introduced during surgery such that a distal end of the device is disposed in a resected cavity of the patient. The cavity evaluation device includes a shaft in which is disposed an elongated guide member. In a subsequent out-patient procedure the cavity evaluation device is removed from the resected cavity. If a brachytherapy treatment is to be performed then the cavity evaluation device is removed without removing the elongated guide member such that position of a portion of the elongated guide member in the resected cavity is maintained relative to the resected cavity. An anchor member helps to maintain the position of the guide member. Introduction of a brachytherapy catheter is then facilitated by introducing the elongated guide member into an opening of the brachytherapy catheter and using the elongated guide member to guide the brachytherapy catheter to the resected cavity.

Abstract: Force transducer (10) include two structural members (11, 12) spaced apart to define a gap (101) and being linked to each other. Optical fibers (13) are to the members and are freely suspended in the gap. The optical fibers are configured to provide a change in a detectable optical property responsive to a change in relative position between the two members in one or more predetermined degrees of freedom. Each of the optical fibers (13) is fixed to both structural members and continuous between the members to link the two structural members to each other. The optical fibers are substantially the only structure forming a link between the two structural members (11, 12), such that the arrangement of the optical fibers defines substantially the stiffness of the link between the two structural members in the one or more predetermined degrees of freedom, which stiffness is mainly, such as for at least 95%, determined by the optical fibers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlled sympathectomy procedures for neuromodulation are disclosed. A system for controlled micro ablation procedures is disclosed. A guidewire including one or more sensors or electrodes for accessing and recording physiologic information from one or more anatomical sites within the parenchyma of an organ as part of a physiologic monitoring session, a diagnostic test, or a neuromodulation procedure is disclosed. A guidewire including one or more sensors and/or a means for energy delivery, for performing a neuromodulation procedure within a small vessel within a body is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a wire guide for use in procedures within a body vessel and to methods of using such devices. One embodiment of the wire guide includes a helically wound coil having its distal end closed with a cap and having a deflection wire housed within. The deflection wire simultaneously acts to deflect the distal end of the helically wound coil in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal movement axis of the wire guide while moving a first blade attaching to a distal portion of the deflection wire from a retracted position to an extended position.

Abstract: A percutaneous guidewire comprising a distal end portion that is pre-formed in a curve that turns through more than 270 degrees. The stiffness of the guidewire may decrease continuously along the length of the curved distal end portion towards the tip of the guidewire and the radius of curvature of the curved distal end portion may also decrease towards the tip of the guidewire.

Abstract: A surgical instrument navigation system is provided that visually simulates a virtual volumetric scene of a body cavity of a patient from a point of view of a surgical instrument residing in the cavity of the patient, wherein the surgical instrument, as provided, may be a steerable surgical catheter with a biopsy device and/or a surgical catheter with a side-exiting medical instrument, among others. Additionally, systems, methods and devices are provided for forming a respiratory-gated point cloud of a patient's respiratory system and for placing a localization element in an organ of a patient.

Abstract: The present document describes a pressure guidewire comprising: a shaft tube with a proximal section; a middle section extending from the proximal section of the shaft tube, the middle section having greater flexibility than the proximal section; an inner hypotube installed substantially within the middle section for optimal mechanical properties; a pressure sensor with a communication means routed through the middle section and the proximal section; and a sensor housing for receiving the pressure sensor. There are also described methods for joining the inner hypotube to the shaft tube.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some instances, the intravascular device is a guide wire with electrical conductors embedded within a core wire. In some instances, the electrical conductors are coupled to conductive bands adjacent a proximal portion of the guide wire and a sensing element adjacent a distal portion of the guide wire. Methods of making, manufacturing, and/or assembling such intravascular devices and associated systems are also provided.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, side-loading electrical connectors for use with intravascular devices are provided. The side-loading electrical connector has at least one electrical contact configured to interface with an electrical connector of the intravascular device. A first connection piece of the side-loading electrical connector is movable relative to a second connection piece between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position an elongated opening is formed between the first and second connection pieces to facilitate insertion of the electrical connector between the first and second connection pieces in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the intravascular device and wherein in the closed position the at least one electrical contact is electrically coupled to the at least one electrical connector received between the first and second connection pieces.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to medical devices, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a fiducial marker. In one embodiment, a device includes, but is not limited to, one or more markers; and one or more connectors configured to link the one or more markers, wherein at least a portion of the device is detectable via medical imaging.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a pusher guide wire for delivering a stent having an anchor member. The pusher guide wire includes a core shaft, a coil body that is disposed around a distal portion of the core shaft and includes a tapered portion having an outer diameter that decreases toward a distal end of the coil body, and a protruded portion fixed to the coil body at a position distal to the tapered portion. The anchor member is positioned between the tapered portion and the protruded portion when the stent is delivered using the pusher guide wire. The anchor member can therefore be pushed in the distal direction by the tapered portion of the coil body. Moreover, the stent can be retracted into the catheter by pulling the pusher guide wire in the proximal direction so that the protruded portion contacts the anchor member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly of parts for an endourological procedure, including a tubular sheath and an introducer, the tubular sheath being removably mounted on the introducer. The introducer comprises a security channel that is openable to shift a guidewire from a position inside the security channel to a position outside and next to the tubular sheath. Disclosed are also access sheaths and a method of performing an endourological procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing cardiac ablations employs a catheter comprising an anchoring device and an ablating device to perform the ablations to electrically isolate the pulmonary veins and left atrium from surrounding atrial tissue. The anchor can comprise a balloon-type device, a stent-like device, a strut-like device, a spring-strut-like device, an umbrella-like device, a mushroom-like device, or other device that allows the catheter to maintain a position with respect to target tissue. The ablator can comprise a balloon ablator, an umbrella ablator, a pinwheel ablator, an umbrella ablator incorporating a cinch mechanism, a mushroom balloon ablator and a segmented balloon or pinwheel ablator. The anchor and ablator can also comprise a combination mushroom balloon anchor section and mushroom balloon ablator section. The anchor and ablator can include electrodes for measuring a conductance therebetween when in deployed position, so as to determine the effectiveness of the ablation.

Abstract: A device comprises a tubular member with a longitudinal axis having a proximal end and a distal end, at least one partial cut located at, along or near the distal end of the tubular member, the at least one partial cut comprising an orientation that is angled relative to both the longitudinal axis and an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, a pusher member positioned within an interior of the tubular member and configured to selectively advance the distal end of the tubular member longitudinally, wherein the distal end of the tubular member is configured to at least partially rotate when the pusher member is advanced relative to the tubular member so at to facilitate placement of the distal end in a particular branch of a subject's intraluminal network, wherein the distal end of the tubular member is configured to longitudinally elongate along or near an area of the at least one partial cut.

Abstract: A drug delivery system provides for controlled mixing of drugs, using flow controllers to guide drugs into single or multiple catheters, enabling a single lumen catheter to dispense multiple drugs, diluting a concentrated drug to provide varying drug concentration, using a buffer fluid to deliver precise amounts of drug or to separate drugs within a catheter, and using a patient's bodily fluid as a diluent or buffer fluid. A drug testing/filler apparatus may be used prior to system use to facilitate filling of multiple reservoirs and may also be used for refilling. The system can provide bolus or continuous delivery and enable the measured delivery of drug to selected distal locations at independent rates. New types of catheter systems, catheter hub assemblies, and uses therefore are also described. New methods for promotion of healthy pregnancy and treatment of a developing fetus are disclosed.

Abstract: A delivery system is disclosed which can be used to deliver an ocular implant into a target location within the eye via an ab interno procedure. In some embodiments, the implant can provide fluid communication between the anterior chamber and the suprachoroidal or supraciliary space while in an implanted state. The delivery system can include a proximal handle component and a distal delivery component. In addition, the proximal handle component can include an actuator to control the release of the implant from the delivery component into the target location in the eye.

Abstract: A steerable medical device can include a sheath defining a longitudinal axis having a deflectable distal end portion, and at least one lateral passage extending therethrough and configured to accommodate at least one steering cable and a steering handle operatively associated with a proximal end portion of the sheath and having an actuation mechanism operatively connected to the at least one steering cable accommodated within the at least one lateral passages of the sheath for steering the deflectable distal end portion of the sheath in at least one direction relative to the longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: Shape-controllable catheters are provided that are versatile in application and that, in human-imaging applications, minimize or reduce patient discomfort. One such catheter is provided with at least one control wire that extends inside the catheter and a control mechanism for tensioning the control wire to produce in the catheter a humped shape or a cantilevered configuration. Hardness of the catheter may be varied along the length thereof to facilitate desired bending. For example, hardness may be reduced in bend areas. Hardness may be maintained or increased in other areas for performance reasons, for example to maintain planarity of an imaging array.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrosurgical gripping instrument which includes a cutting section for cutting tissue without deformation. The cutting section can be deflected from an idle position for cutting purposes which brings it into contact with the tissue.

Abstract: A guidewire for use in ear, nose and throat procedures may include an elongate core wire having a proximal region and a distal region. The distal region of the core wire may include a flattened portion adapted to provide preferential flexure along at least one axis of the wire. The distal region of the core wire may include a tip portion distal of the flattened portion, where at least one cross-sectional dimension of the tip portion is greater than at least one cross-sectional dimension of the flattened portion. The guidewire may include an outer coil disposed around at least a portion of the elongate core wire. The guidewire may also include an atraumatic tip coupled to the core wire or the outer coil.

Abstract: A guidewire, methods of manufacture, and methods of use is described. The guidewire may include a core having one or more preformed ribs along a portion thereof. The ribs may form a portion of the outer surface of the guidewire or form a texture or shape of the outer surface of the guidewire. The ribs and outer texture of the guidewire can beneficially help the guidewire remain in a desired location in a body and help prevent or limit migration. Forming the ribs on the outer surface of the core may enable the guidewire to have greater rigidity and stiffness. The core may include a reduced diameter region distal of the ribs. The guidewire may include a cap over the reduced diameter region of the core.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes an electrically conductive lead for a medical device, the lead having an internal bore terminating at a distal lead opening, and a lead delivery device for delivering the distal end of the lead to a blood vessel during implantation of the lead. The lead delivery device includes a removably anchorable guidewire, and a fixator attached to a distal portion of the guidewire for anchoring the guidewire. The fixator is movable between a compact configuration and an expanded configuration. The fixator is capable of passing through the distal lead opening of the lead in the compact configuration. The fixator is capable of exerting a holding force in the range of about 0.89 to 4.45 N in the lumen of the blood vessel in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A surgical system can include a surgical probe having a deflectable tip, and a plurality of guide arms that are movable so as to cause the tip to deflect. Thus, the surgical probe can be steered toward a target anatomical location. The surgical system can further include a control system that includes a free floating user interface, and a motion sensor that detects motion of the user interface. The control system is configured to cause the probe tip to deflect in response to the detected motion of the user interface.

Abstract: A guide wire (1) for use with a catheter comprises a core wire (3) terminating in a distal portion (18) of flat ribbon-like construction having respective opposite major surfaces (29,30). A spring (24) is brazed to a distal end (27) of the distal portion (18) and to the core wire (3) at a tapering portion (14). A reinforcing member (38) extends axially along the distal portion (18) from a proximal end (26) of the distal portion (18) to a location (40) for reinforcing the distal portion (18) for in turn increasing its torsional rigidity in order to minimize axial twisting of the distal portion (18).

Abstract: A force assessment device and a method for lead extraction are provided. A force gauge is configured to measure a traction force, and a strain gauge that is configured to measure a countertraction force. An interface is communicatively coupled to the force gauge and the strain gauge, and the interface is configured to present data regarding at least one of the traction force and the countertraction force.

Abstract: An MR compatible steerable sheath with elastomeric member is provided. The elastomeric member is configured to serve as a reservoir and receive contrast media therewithin. The elastomeric member is positioned on the distal end of the steerable sheath and may circumferentially surround the sheath shaft or be offset from a longitudinal axis thereof. In operation, the contrast media allows a user to view the distal tip of the steerable sheath by virtue of the contrast media contained within the elastomeric member.

Abstract: An illuminating wire medical device may include an elongate flexible housing and an illuminating fiber and a core wire extending through at least part of the housing, the core wire providing desired pushability and torquability. The illuminating device may further include a connector assembly cooperating with the illuminating fiber to accommodate changes in length and to absorb forces applied during use of the device.

Abstract: A torque apparatus for facilitating manipulation of a guidewire includes a handle member dimensioned for engagement by a clinician and defining a longitudinal axis and a torque member mounted to the handle member. The torque member defines a lumen configured for reception and passage of a guidewire and is configured to rotate relative to the handle member to impart rotational movement to the guidewire. A gripper member associated with the torque member is adapted to releasably secure the guidewire relative to the torque member and a trigger member depending from the handle member is actuable to cause the gripper member to release the guidewire to thereby permit the guidewire to be moved within the lumen of the torque member. An actuator is operatively coupled to the torque member and is movable to impart rotational movement to the torque member to thereby cause corresponding rotational movement of the guidewire.

Abstract: A dilation system for accessing a surgical target site to perform surgical procedures. In one version, the dilation system includes a plurality of open sided dilators having non-circular cross sections and configured to slidably and non-rotationally engage with one another in a sequential manner. In another version, the dilation system includes an expandable dilator movable from a closed condition to an expanded condition.

Abstract: A guide wire includes a wire main body that has a plate-like portion in a distal end portion of the wire main body and a reinforcement portion that is provided on at least one surface of the plate-like portion and reinforces the plate-like portion. The reinforcement portion is made up of two wire rods, and both end portions of the reinforcement portion are fixed to the plate-like portion. The plate-like portion is formed in a ribbon shape, and the reinforcement portions are diagonally provided on the same plane of the plate-like portion, and intersect each other. The guide wire has a coil that covers the plate-like portion and the reinforcement portion.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a guidewire that has good operability and that can perform procedures efficiently. [Solution to Problem] A guidewire is for guiding insertion of a medical appliance into a subject. The guidewire includes an inserting portion and an observation optical system. The inserting portion has a first part and a second part that has higher flexibility than the first part, and the inserting portion is to be inserted into the subject. The observation optical system is provided to the inserting portion, and the observation optical system is provided for observing inside the subject.

Abstract: A medical guide wire including a core wire having a distal end-side small-diameter portion and a proximal end-side large-diameter portion, and a coil spring installed on an outer periphery of the distal end-side small-diameter portion of the core wire along an axial direction, having a front end-side small-diameter portion, a tapered portion and a rear end-side large-diameter portion, and fixed to the core wire, wherein the front end-side small-diameter portion of the coil spring has a length of 5 to 100 mm, and the outside diameter of a coil thereof is at most 0.012 inch, the front end portion of the coil spring is fixed to the core wire by a gold-containing solder, and a length of a distal end portion stiffened by the gold-containing solder is 0.1 to 0.5 mm.

Abstract: A surgical device that has an external sheath having a proximal end and a distal end for insertion through an opening of a body and a plurality of tool components extending from the distal end of the external sheath. The tool components are independently deflectable with respect to each other and with respect to the external sheath and removable from the device without requiring withdrawal of the sheath through the opening of the body. The external sheath is flexible and deflectable intermediate the distal and proximal ends. This permits the device to be steered in a curvilinear manner towards a surgical target.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a handle and a catheter component operatively connected to the handle for selective adjustment by an actuator associated with the handle housing. The actuator comprises at least in part a generally cylindrical shuttle disposed at least in part within the housing for longitudinal movement. The catheter component is operatively coupled to the shuttle for movement therewith. The shuttle has an outer surface with an annular groove formed therein, and an elastomeric ring seated in the annular groove. An annular slide bearing is retained in the housing, with the shuttle being in part disposed in the annular groove and with the elastomeric ring in frictional contact with the slide bearing. Friction between the elastomeric ring and the slide bearing is sufficient to frictionally retain the shuttle at a selected longitudinal position relative to the housing corresponding to a selected adjustment of the catheter component.

Abstract: A one-piece handle assembly and a method of assembling the one-piece handle assembly. The one-piece handle assembly includes an outer tube connected to a fixed jaw and an inner tube connected to a moveable jaw. The inner tube is installed within the outer tube. The surgical instrument assembly further includes a handle body overmolded onto the outer tube and a handle grip connected to the handle body. The handle grip controls movement of the moveable jaw along an axis about defined through the outer tube. The one-piece handle assembly further includes a knife plunger for controlling activation of a knife rod assembly. The one-piece handle assembly is void of any welds, adhesives, or fasteners to complete the final assembly of the one-piece handle assembly.

Abstract: A guidewire comprises an elongate metal core, an inner layer, an optical core, and an outer layer. The metal core is configured to communicate torsional motion from a proximal end of the metal core to the distal end of the metal core. The inner layer extends about the metal core and has a first index of refraction. The optical core is disposed about the inner layer, wherein the optical core is configured to transmit light along the length of the guidewire. The optical core has a second index of refraction, which is greater than the first index of refraction. The outer layer is disposed about the optical core and has a third index of refraction. The third index of refraction is less than the second index of refraction.

Abstract: A surgical instrument may have a handle, a support sleeve, and an inner sleeve. Illustratively, the support sleeve may be configured to actuate relative to the inner sleeve to protect the inner sleeve before and after a surgical procedure and to expose a portion of the inner sleeve during the surgical procedure. In one or more embodiments, an application of a force to a distal end of the support sleeve may be configured to retract the support sleeve relative to the inner sleeve. Illustratively, a reduction of a force applied to the distal end of the support sleeve may be configured to extend the support sleeve relative to the inner sleeve.

Abstract: An articulating probe, comprises a first mechanism including a first link comprising a first longitudinal axis, a first articulation surface and a first motion-limiting element; and a second link comprising a second longitudinal axis, a second articulation surface and a second motion-limiting element. An articulation joint comprises the first articulation surface and the second articulation surface and constructed and arranged to allow two degree-of-freedom articulation of the second link relative to the first link. A motion resisting assembly comprises the first motion limiting element and the second motion limiting element, wherein the motion resisting assembly is constructed and arranged to resist rotation of the second link about the second longitudinal axis relative to the first longitudinal axis of the first link.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device includes a housing, a needle, a catheter, and a guide wire. The needle has a proximal end positioned in the housing and a distal end extending beyond a distal end of the housing. The catheter is positioned coaxially over the needle, and includes a flexible tube and a catheter hub on a proximal end of the flexible tube. A proximal portion of the flexible tube and the catheter hub are positioned in the housing. the guide wire has a proximal end positioned in the housing and a distal end positioned in a lumen of the needle. The catheter insertion device also includes a handle coupled to the catheter, wherein movement of the handle relative to the housing moves the catheter hub from a position in the housing to a position outside of the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a connector for a container for medical use intended to administer fluid, the connector including a main body defining an inner channel for fluid to pass through and at least one continuous or discontinuous bead, projecting inside the channel. The method includes: a) producing a tubular conduit with no bead projecting inside the channel, b) inserting at least partially into the tubular conduit a mandrel having, on its outer surface, at least one continuous or discontinuous annular recess, whose dimensions and shape correspond to those of a continuous or discontinuous bead to be formed in the inner channel, c) partially heating the tubular conduit, the part including at least the conduit portion placed at the at least one recess when the mandrel has been positioned in the tubular conduit, such that the material of the tubular conduit fills the at least one recess.

Abstract: A catheter is provided with increased flexibility and radiopaque measurement visibility. The radiopaque measurement bands are formed of a continuous coil of radiopaque material defined by areas of tightly packed coils spaced by areas of loosely wound coils. Systems and methods of utilizing the measurement structure are also provided.

Abstract: A modular handle assembly for supporting and controlling a steerable catheter having at least one deflection wire includes a handle portion which extends along an axis for being secured about a portion of the steerable catheter. The modular handle assembly includes at least one barrel that is rotatably connected to the handle portion for rotation about said axis and at least one actuation screw shaft that is disposed within said handle portion and which extends through the barrel for connection with the deflection wire of the steerable catheter. At least one pinion gear is disposed radially between the actuation screw shaft and the barrel and is threadedly interconnected with the actuation screw shaft and the barrel for translating rotational movement of the barrel about the axis into axial movement of the actuation screw shaft to provide for movement of the deflection wire to curl the steerable catheter.

Abstract: A system for delivering a stent from a catheter sheath in a longitudinal direction comprising: a thumbwheel mounted on an axle, the axle being supported by opposite walls of a housing; a first pinion mounted on the axle; a second pinion mounted on the axle, whereby rotation of the thumbwheel causes rotation of the first pinion and rotation of the second pinion; a first rack, enageable with the first pinion at a first surface of the first pinion, the first rack being operably connected with a stent-engaging member; a second rack, engageable with the second pinion at a second surface of the second pinion, the second surface being disposed in a direction diametrically opposite the first surface, the second rack being operably connected with a sheath configured to confine the stent.

Abstract: A stent combined with a positioning apparatus to effectively place the stent at a precise deployment site within a narrowed vascular region such as an artery. The stent is maneuvered through the vessel and is guided by a guiding catheter up the vessel to where the narrowing is located. Upon exiting the guiding catheter and approaching the deployment site within the coronary artery, a deployment site locator expands to contact the vascular structure and, thereby, effectively position the stent at the deployment site within the narrowed vessel. This system apparatus and method is particularly useful for stent placement at an ostium (origin) of a vessel.