Abstract: An interventional device includes a sensor interconnection region (101) for making electrical contact to a sensor (102) disposed on the interventional device. The interventional device includes an electrically conductive elongate shaft, a sensor strip (104), electrical conductors (105, 106), and an electrical shield layer (109). The electrical conductors (105, 106) extend along the sensor strip between a sensor region (111) and a window (112) within which the electrical conductors (105, 106) are exposed. The sensor strip (104) is wrapped around the elongate shaft (103) in a spiral such that the electrical conductors (105, 106) extend along the longitudinal axis (A-A?) within the window (112), and such that an electrical shield contact portion (109?) adjacent the window (112), the window (112), and an exposed portion of the electrically conductive elongate shaft (103?) beyond the wrapped sensor strip provide the sensor interconnection region (101).

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-step rapid insertion central catheter (“RICC”) system that can include an introducer placement system, a docking station and a catheter placement system. The introducer placement system can place an introducer within a vasculature, which is supported by a docking station that detaches from a distal end of the introducer placement system. A catheter placement system can be configured to couple with the docking station, and a catheter can be advanced through the introducer into the vasculature. The introducer can then be split and retracted before the catheter placement system disengages the docking station. The docking station can be configured to split and disengage from the catheter. The RICC system can include a guidewire hub to prevent guidewire embolisms, collapsible sterile barriers to prevent contamination, and locking features to prevent premature advancement of guidewires, dilators and the like.

Abstract: This invention is a transvascularly placed steerable guidewire, further including internal steerability and the ability to articulate in a direction at right angles to its longitudinal axis at or near its distal end. The steerable guidewire is generally fabricated from stainless steel and includes an outer tube, an inner tube, hub structures, and a distal articulating region. The steerable guidewire can be advanced through a body lumen in its straight configuration and then be selectively articulated or curved to permit negotiation of tortuous curvature. The steerable guidewire hub can be removed to permit advancement of catheters over its proximal end followed by re-attachment of the hub to permit deflection of the distal end of the steerable guidewire. Removal of the hub can result in a limp guidewire or maintenance of a forced curvature of the distal end of the guidewire.

Abstract: Rapidly insertable central catheters (“RICCs”) including catheter assemblies and methods thereof are disclosed. For example, a RICC assembly includes a RICC and an introducer. The RICC includes a catheter tube, a catheter hub, and one or more extension legs coupled in the foregoing order. The catheter tube includes a side aperture that opens into an introducing lumen that extends from at least the side aperture to a distal end of the RICC. The introducer includes a retractable-needle device, a syringe, and a coupling hub that couples the retractable-needle device and the syringe together proximal of the side aperture in a ready-to-deploy state of the RICC assembly. The retractable-needle device includes an introducer needle. A needle tip in a distal-end portion of a shaft of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal end of the RICC when the RICC assembly is in the ready-to-deploy state of the RICC assembly.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter having a main lumen and a sub lumen and an inner needle inserted through and disposed in the main lumen and allowing blood to flow in the proximal direction of the catheter from a needle tip exposed at the distal end of the catheter. The gap between an outer peripheral surface of the inner needle and a first inner peripheral surface of the main lumen continuous with the distal end of the catheter is narrower than the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the inner needle and a second inner peripheral surface closer to the proximal end side than the first inner peripheral surface.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter having a balloon including at least one first radiopaque marking. A guidewire guides the balloon to the treatment area, and includes at least one second radiopaque marking adapted for corresponding to the at least one first radiopaque marking of the balloon when positioned at the treatment area. Related aspects and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Endovascular valve formation systems with imaging capabilities and associated devices and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a valve formation and imaging system can include, for example, (i) a valve formation device configured to access a vessel wall and dissect a portion of the vessel wall to form an autologous valve leaflet and (ii) an imaging device configured to image the vessel wall and components of the valve formation device during a valve formation procedure. In some embodiments, the imaging device is integrated into a distal end portion of the valve formation device. In some embodiments, the imaging device is a separate catheter device positionally coupled to the valve formation device and/or components thereof.

Abstract: A stent-deployment assembly for use with a guidewire comprises a biliary stent and an elongated stent-conveyance tube comprising a guidewire-retaining segment that includes respective distal and proximal apertures defining a guidewire-path therethrough, and a lengthways laterally-breachable portion. In a stent-advancement configuration, the guidewire passes through the respective apertures so as to interiorly traverse the guidewire-retaining segment, and the stent is arranged to surround a stent-conveyance tube segment that is proximally displaced from the guidewire-retaining segment, for advancement of the stent together with the stent-conveyance tube along the guidewire into a body lumen of a human subject.

Abstract: A catheter includes a tip electrode with a shell and a support member to provide a plenum chamber. The plug is formed with a U-shaped passage for a safety line to wrap around and secure the support member (with the shell affixed thereto) to the catheter. Additional passages are formed in the plug to accommodate components such as irrigation tubing, lead wire and thermocouple wire pair. A method of manufacture provides distal installation and/or anchoring of the safety line, lead wire and thermocouple wire pair in the support member prior to sealing the support member and mounting the shell.

Abstract: A system to treat a patient comprises a user interface that allows a physician to view an image of tissue to be treated in order to develop a treatment plan to resect tissue with a predefined removal profile. The image may comprise a plurality of images, and the planned treatment is shown on the images. The treatment probe may comprise an anchor, and the image shown on the screen may have a reference image marker shown on the screen corresponding to the anchor. The planned tissue removal profile can be displayed and scaled to the image of the target tissue of an organ such as the prostate, and the physician can adjust the treatment profile based on the scaled images to provide a treatment profile in three dimensions. The images shown on the display may comprise segmented images of the patient with treatment plan overlaid on the images.

Abstract: A window dressing includes a primary layer having a window for viewing a catheter insertion site. The primary layer includes an adhesive layer on a lower, skin-contacting face of the primary layer. A transparent layer covers the window and adheres to the upper surface of the primary layer. An ultrasonic transmission layer is positioned below the primary layer, where the transmission layer comprises a layer of hydrogel. A support structure has a stiffness that is greater than the primary layer and has an adhesive layer on the lower surface of the support structure. The support structure adhesive layer adheres the support structure to the upper surface of the primary layer.

Abstract: A vasculature navigation system may include a dilator having a proximal end and a distal end located opposite the proximal end, the dilator comprising a guidewire lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end, the dilator defining a proximal portion and a distal portion located opposite the proximal portion. In some embodiments, the vasculature navigation system also includes an access port located at the proximal end of the dilator, a distal port located at the distal end of the dilator, and a hemostasis valve coupled to the proximal portion of the dilator. The hemostasis valve may be configured to control fluid flow between the proximal portion and the distal portion. In some embodiments, a flush port is coupled to the proximal portion of the dilator and located distal to the hemostasis valve, and the flush port is coupled to a fluid supply source.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for therapeutically modulating nerves in or associated with a nasal region of a patient for the treatment of a rhinosinusitis condition.

Abstract: A heat shrink tubing is provided exhibiting various desirable properties, which generally comprises at least one fluorinated polymeric resin. The tubing can exhibit desirable physical properties such as heat shrink capability, high expansion/recovery ratio, low longitudinal shrinkage, low temperature recovery, and an average wall thickness of less than about 0.003 inches.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of flexible catheters comprising one or more flexibility regions. In one embodiment, a catheter comprises an elongate body having a proximal segment and a distal segment; a first lumen defined by the elongate body and configured for drainage of a liquid from a bodily region; and a plurality of flexibility regions on or in the distal segment of the elongate body. The plurality of flexibility regions, collectively, is configured to passively bend anteriorly. Further, at least one of the plurality of flexibility regions has a defined percent volume of material removed and a defined cut depth percentage. The features and arrangement of the flexibility regions described herein result in the catheter requiring reduced force during insertion into a bodily lumen.

Abstract: This invention provides a stent graft transport device that can perform not only automatic rotational angle adjustment by means of self-alignment, but also smooth and easy transportation. The stent graft transport device transports a stent graft to a lesion part along a guide wire that is inserted into the inside of a blood vessel beforehand. The stent graft transport device includes a posture control member that is provided with a through bore through which the guide wire slidably passes in a curved state in one direction. The stent graft transport device is also characterized in that the posture control member is shorter than the stent graft and is mounted on a distal end part of the stent graft.

Abstract: A medical device system may include a sheath, a pusher wire, and a locking element. The sheath may have a first outer diameter adjacent to the proximal end and an enlarged outer diameter region having a second outer diameter greater than the first adjacent to the intermediate region. The pusher wire may be slidably disposed within a lumen of the sheath. The locking element may have a lumen extending therethrough. The locking element may have a first inner diameter adjacent to the distal end and a second inner diameter smaller than the first adjacent to the intermediate region. The locking element may configured to freely slide over a region of the sheath having the first diameter. When the locking element is disposed over the enlarged outer diameter region of the sheath having the second outer diameter, the locking element may be configured to depress the sheath radially inwards.

Abstract: A circulatory assist apparatus comprising: an inflatable pumping balloon having a proximal end joined to an elongated balloon catheter, the balloon catheter having a distal end joined to the pumping balloon and a proximal end, separated from the distal end by a length sufficient to extend from within a circulatory lumen to the outside of a patient's body, for receiving positive and negative pressure pulses from a pump to inflate and deflate the pumping balloon; and a radially expandable frame, mounted on one of a segment extending distally from the pumping balloon, the balloon catheter, and a sleeve tube surrounding the balloon catheter. The expandable frame is manipulate to expand within the circulatory lumen, and functions to space apart the inflatable balloon from the circulatory lumen, having a first diameter in a collapsed configuration for intraluminal delivery and a second, larger diameter in an expanded configuration achieved by said manipulation.

Abstract: A steerable guide. In an embodiment, the steerable guide comprises a needle, a shaft, a spring housing, and a translational screw. The needle comprises a wire tube and a wire configured to curve the needle when retracted relative to the wire tube. The wire tube is connected to the distal end of the shaft, and the wire is connected to the distal end of the spring housing. The screw extends into a cavity within the shaft, and is configured to move along a longitudinal axis. A spring is positioned within the cavity, between the proximal end of the spring housing and the distal end of the screw. Thus, when the screw moves in the proximal direction while a position of the spring housing is fixed by the wire, the spring is compressed between the proximal end of the spring housing and the distal end of the translational screw.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hemostasis valve device including a connector including a first channel, a holder disposed at a first end of the connector and configured to communicate with the first channel, and a valve portion disposed at a second end of the connector and configured to selectively open or close the first channel. Here, the connector includes a first pipe including the first channel and a second pipe which diverges from a first point of the first pipe and includes a second channel configured to communicate with the first channel. Also, the first pipe includes a hole which allows the first channel to communicate with the outside. Here, the hemostasis valve device further includes an opening and closing portion disposed at the first pipe and configured to selectively open or close the hole. The hole is disposed between the first end and the first point.

Abstract: A delivery device to deliver a guidewire through an intravenous catheter assembly may include a housing, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a slot. The delivery device may include a guidewire, which may include a proximal end and a distal end. The delivery device may include a guidewire hub disposed within the housing. The guidewire may be secured to the guidewire hub, and the guidewire hub may be configured to move along the slot to advance the guidewire in a distal direction. The distal end of the guidewire may include a fluid permeable structure. For example, the fluid permeable structure may include an elongated core and a coil extending around the elongated core. In some embodiments, a space between the elongated core and the coil may be configured to receive blood in response to the guidewire being inserted into the vasculature.

Abstract: An ocular implant for treating glaucoma is provided, which may include any number of features. More particularly, the present invention relates to implants that facilitate the transfer of fluid from within one area of the eye to another area of the eye. One feature of the implant is that it includes a proximal inlet portion and a distal inlet portion adapted to be inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye, and an intermediate portion adapted to be inserted into Schlemm's canal. Another feature of the implant is that it can be biased to assume a predetermined shape to aid in placement within the eye.

Abstract: A medical device has an artificial contractile structure including at least one contractile element adapted to contract a hollow body organ in such a way that said contractile element is adapted to be in a resting position or in an activated position, the activated position being defined with the contractile element constricting the hollow body organ and the resting position being defined with the contractile element not constricting the hollow body organ. The medical device further includes a tensioning device adapted to apply a force so as to tighten the contractile element around the hollow body organ, the tensioning device having a flexible transmission with a tensioning element arranged in a sheath. The sheath has an inner coiled wire coiled in a first direction, and an outer coiled wire surrounding the inner coiled wire and coiled in a second direction opposite to said first direction.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system can be used to advance a medical device to a target area within a patient's vasculature. The system can comprise a catheter, a support sheath, and a core member coupled to a medical device. The core member can be used to longitudinally advanced or retracting medical device within a lumen of the support sheath. The support sheath can be advanced within the catheter until a distal end of the support sheath contacts or abuts a reduced diameter section of the catheter lumen. Thereafter, the core member can be advanced into the catheter lumen toward the target area.

Abstract: A catheter includes a tip electrode with a shell and a support member to provide a plenum chamber. The plug is formed with a U-shaped passage for a safety line to wrap around and secure the support member (with the shell affixed thereto) to the catheter. Additional passages are formed in the plug to accommodate components such as irrigation tubing, lead wire and thermocouple wire pair. A method of manufacture provides distal installation and/or anchoring of the safety line, lead wire and thermocouple wire pair in the support member prior to sealing the support member and mounting the shell.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a handle and an elongate catheter extending from the handle. The elongate catheter includes an inner member, an outer member mounted about the inner member and adapted for longitudinal movement relative to the inner member from an extended position to a retracted position and a stent mounted about the inner member. The stent delivery system also includes a thumbwheel mounted to the handle. The thumbwheel is adapted for rotational movement to cause corresponding movement of the outer member from the extended position to the retracted position. In some examples, the stent delivery system may include a lock member adapted to engage at least one of the outer member and the thumbwheel to prevent movement thereof when the lock member is secured relative to the handle.

Abstract: A variable stiffness device includes a first elongated member including high-bending stiffness portions and a low-bending stiffness portion between adjacent high-bending stiffness portions, a second elongated member arranged along the first elongated member and including shape-memory members and a connecting member between adjacent shape-memory members, a heater to heat a shape-memory member in the low-bending stiffness portion to increase the bending stiffness, and a moving mechanism to move the second elongated member relative to the first elongated member. When the heater heats a first shape-memory member in the low-bending stiffness portion, a second shape-memory member next to the first shape-memory member is arranged in a high-bending stiffness portion.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods, systems and devices for severing and optionally removing at least a portion of heart valve leaflets. Leaflets can be partially removed or entirely removed or otherwise, the leaflets can be severed or splayed in such a way as to avoid coronary blockage, LVOT obstruction, or access challenges in procedures where a prosthetic valve is to be implanted within a previously implanted prosthetic valve. The disclosure also relates to numerous devices for and methods of disabling one or more valve ligating devices to provide an unobstructed valve opening so that a prosthetic heart valve can be implanted within the opening. The ligation device(s) is disabled either by removing the ligation device(s) or severing one leaflet so that ligated leaflets can be separated. In some embodiments, the ligation device(s) are severed to disable the ligation device(s).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a catheter for positioning through a conventional guiding catheter into the vasculature of a patient, the catheter having a distal tube and a proximal shaft coupled to a proximal portion of the distal tubular member. The distal tube can have a tubular wall, a tube lumen defined within the tube by the tubular wall, a proximal opening sized to allow a medical device to be positioned therethrough, and at least one opening defined within the tubular wall along a length of the distal tube.

Abstract: A wall of a catheter (a) includes a braided portion having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a braided interior between the outer and inner surfaces, and (b) is shaped to define first and second longitudinally-running channels therethrough. A distal portion of the catheter is shaped to define first and second lateral openings. An angle between (a) a first line running between the first and second lateral openings, and (b) a second line that is parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the catheter when the catheter is straight, is between 30 and 150 degrees. A flexible longitudinal member passes from a proximal portion of the catheter to the distal portion via the first channel, out of the first channel via the first lateral opening, into the second channel via the second lateral opening, and from the distal portion to the proximal portion via the second channel.

Abstract: A method for processing angiography image data by using an imaging catheter path that is directly detected from the angiography data as a co-registration path or using detected marker locations from the angiography data to generate a co-registration path. If the acquired angiography data includes synchronized cardiac phase signals and a predetermined quantity of angiography image frames not including contrast media, then a directly detected imaging catheter path is used as the co-registration path. Otherwise the co-registration path is determined based upon detected marker locations from the angiography image data.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for cannulating a vessel. Generally, the method may comprise advancing a stent into a first vessel and deploying the stent in the first vessel to hold open one or more valves. This may permit retrograde blood flow through the blood vessel in peripheral vasculature and aid in cannulation of the blood vessel.

Abstract: A variable stiffness apparatus to be installed in a flexible member includes a first elongated member, a second elongated member arranged along the first elongated member, and an inducing member. The first elongated member includes a high bending stiffness portion, and a low bending stiffness portion. The second elongated member includes a shape-memory member that takes a low-stiffness state when in a first phase and a high-stiffness state when in a second phase. The inducing member causes a region of the shape memory member that is arranged around the low bending stiffness portion to transition in phase between the first phase and the second phase, so as to change the stiffness of the region of the second elongated member.

Abstract: In a method for diagnosing, validating and treating a patient having lesions in both arteries of left and right lower limbs. By determining that a harder lesion to be treated first, catheters and an operation time can be reduced is to be treated first on a priority basis based on diagnostic data, deciding that a softer lesion is to be treated next, then treating the lesions substantially continuously.

Abstract: Catheter assemblies for neuromodulation proximate a renal artery bifurcation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A catheter assembly configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include a shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and two therapeutic arms extending from the distal portion. The shaft can be configured to deliver the distal portion to a treatment site proximate a branch point or bifurcation in a renal blood vessel. The therapeutic arms can include energy delivery elements that are configured to deliver the therapeutically-effective energy to renal nerves proximate the branch point.

Abstract: A medical device may comprise a body including a mixture of polyvinylpyrrolidone (“PVP”) and mitomycin. The medical device may be in any size or shape such that the medical device may be inserted into living tissue, including, but not limited to, a lacrimal punctal plug and a stent. The mixture of PVP and mitomycin may be coated on a portion of the medical device, contained within a cavity on the medical device, disposed on the surface of the medical device or configured as part of the medical device such that the mixture of PVP and mitomycin can be delivered to tissue.

Abstract: An introducer with a steerable distal tip section is disclosed. The steerable distal tip section may comprise an articulation support member comprising a laser-cut pattern of symmetrical elongated apertures in which the shape of each aperture is defined by at least three radii, a central radii being the largest and two end radii being smaller. This pattern of apertures can minimize ovaling of the cross-sectional shape of introducer shaft over the length of the deflectable section. The introducer can articulate in multiple planes. A tension pull wire can allow the introducer to resist directional bias.

Abstract: A surgical tool includes a drive housing having an input shaft arranged therein for rotation, a shaft extending from the drive housing and having an end effector arranged at a distal end thereof, and a drive cable extending within the shaft and operatively coupled to the end effector. A cable band is coupled to the input shaft and operatively couples the input shaft to the drive cable, and an idler pulley is rotatably mounted within the drive housing, the cable band being routed at least partially around the idler pulley. Rotation of the input shaft moves the cable band and thereby controls longitudinal movement of the drive cable to articulate the end effector.

Abstract: A medical device system may include a catheter sheath and a catheter shaft sized for delivery through a lumen of the catheter sheath. The catheter shaft may be coupled to an end effector at or adjacent a distal end of the catheter shaft. The catheter shaft may include a lumen and a control element. The control element may be coupled to the end effector and may reside within the lumen of the catheter shaft. Physical access may be provided to the control element, to allow the control element to be severed to facilitate removal of the end effector from a bodily cavity. The control element may include a lumen and a control cable therein. A liquid entry port may be provided in the lumen of the control element toward a distal end of the control element to allow expedited provision of fluid to a distal portion of the control element.

Abstract: A bi-directional steerable catheter adapted for delivery into a patient's vasculature. The pull wires which are used to tension the deflectable segment of the steerable catheter are wound in parallel around the axis of the steerable catheter on opposite sides of the steerable catheter.

Abstract: A device for distending a body lumen for enhanced visualization with a capsule endoscope that includes a camera lens includes an attachment element configured to attach to the capsule endoscope and a plurality of struts extending from the attachment element and meeting at an apex. The plurality of struts are configured to extend both axially and radially away from the camera lens so as to form a frame therearound.

Abstract: A catheter includes a sheath configured to be inserted into a body lumen, a drive shaft configured to be inserted into the sheath and to transmit mechanical drive force, an operation unit configured to operate the drive shaft, and a connection section having a proximal side connected to the operation unit and a distal side connected to the sheath in such a way as to be attachable to and detachable from the sheath.

Abstract: A catheter has a mapping assembly having a plurality of splines mounted at its distal portion. The splines each have a proximal end disposed at the distal portion of the catheter body and a distal end and configured as a Fibonacci spiral arm that diverges outwardly from the proximal end. The splines have a support arm with shape memory, a non-conductive covering in surrounding relation to the support arm, at least one location sensor mounted at or near the distal end, a plurality of electrodes mounted in surrounding relation to the non-conductive covering, and a plurality of electrode lead wires extending within the non-conductive covering. Each electrode lead wire is attached to a corresponding one of the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses devices and methods for creating multiple lesions using ablation devices in anatomical regions such as the heart, for example to treat cardiac arrhythmias. The present invention discloses methods and devices to create continuous lesions using area ablation devices. The present invention discloses various embodiments of reference assemblies for accurately positioning ablation devices having ablating portions, especially deployable ablation portions adapted for area ablation. The ablation devices are positioned using the reference assemblies in the anatomy to create one or more lesions. The present invention also discloses several method embodiments for creating continuous lesions using deployable ablating portions to produce two or more overlapping lesions.

Abstract: A method for replacing a first sheath, whose distal end is positioned inside a vessel and whose proximal end is positioned outside the skin of a patient, with a second sheath may involve inserting a dilator over a guidewire and into the first sheath until a distal end of the dilator and a distal end of the guidewire are positioned inside the vessel. The dilator may be hubless or include a removable hub. The method may further involve removing the first sheath, thereby leaving only the dilator and the guidewire in place. After removing the first sheath, a second sheath may be passed over the dilator and the guidewire until the distal end of the second sheath is positioned inside the vessel. The method may further involve removing the dilator and the guidewire, leaving only the second sheath in place.

Abstract: A handheld endoscope has a disposable, single-use portion that includes a fluid hub, cannula, distal tip and is steerable by the operator though actuation of one or two levers. The endoscope also includes re-usable portion that has a handle and display module. The distal tip includes LED illumination and an imaging module that feeds live video to the display module that is rotatable to allow viewing by the operator and others. The single-use and re-usable portions mate and un-mate with each other via physically separated mechanical and electrical connectors. The single use portion can include grasper device that can be actuated by an operator using an actuation tab.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube-inserting device of the kind comprising a stylet part and a handle part for operating the stylet part is provided. The stylet part has a proximal stylet end part with a proximal stylet end and an opposite distal stylet end part with a distal stylet end; the proximal stylet end is situated at the handle part, and the distal stylet end has an extension in form of a bendable tip part with a free end; a tip part operating member includes at least a first string member and a second string member arranged along the length of at least a length of the stylet part, and the handle part has an actuator means for operating at least the tip part operating member.

Abstract: A medical appliance for use in medical procedures to controllably advance a medical device through a sheath. The medical appliance features pneumatic action and connecting structures adapted to couple the appliance to a variety of types of catheters, tools, and instruments.

Abstract: An intravascular device delivery system includes an elongated member with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween. The elongated member includes a multilumen catheter having a catheter wall with a plurality of lumen in the catheter wall. The plurality of lumen extends from a proximal end of the elongated member to a distal end of the elongated member. A lumen ratio of the cross-sectional area of the plurality of lumen and the cross sectional area of the catheter wall is greater than 30%.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described for a stent delivery device that utilizes a push button using a slot and pin on a shuttle with a rack for slow retraction of the outer sheath as well as a flanged member connected to the outer sheath for fast retraction of the outer sheath during delivery of a self-expanding implantable device such as a stent or stent graft.