초록 ▼

A delivery catheter for a radially compressible tubular prosthesis comprises an elongate shaft slidably received within a tubular cover. The prosthesis is carried within a plurality of elongate, relatively hard runners, and is restrained in a radially compressed configuration by the cover. After int

A delivery catheter for a radially compressible tubular prosthesis comprises an elongate shaft slidably received within a tubular cover. The prosthesis is carried within a plurality of elongate, relatively hard runners, and is restrained in a radially compressed configuration by the cover. After introducing the catheter to a desired target location within a body lumen, the prosthesis may be released by proximally retracting the cover. The runners may optionally remain disposed about the prosthesis to be retracted separately, or, alternatively, the runners retract proximally with the cover as the prosthesis slides over the hard runner surfaces.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for placing an asymmetric, radially compressible prosthesis within a body lumen system at a specific rotational orientation, the method comprising:imaging the body lumen system in real time;loading the asymmetric prosthesis onto an orientation indicating delivery

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for placing an asymmetric, radially compressible prosthesis within a body lumen system at a specific rotational orientation, the method comprising:imaging the body lumen system in real time;loading the asymmetric prosthesis onto an orientation indicating delivery catheter in alignment with a rotation marker on the catheter, the rotation marker having an asymmetric image;axially positioning the prosthesis within the body lumen at the target location, while imaging;rotationally orienting the prosthesis within the body lumen by rotating the catheter, while imaging, so that the asymmetric image of the rotation marker is in alignment with the body lumen system; andexpanding the prosthesis within the body lumen system.