Cold-molding process for loading a stent onto a stent delivery system

摘要

A method of making a stent delivery system is provided in which a delivery catheter has a balloon that extends non-uniformly into interstices of a stent. In accordance with the method a balloon/stent/crimping tube assembly is placed in a crimping tool, the balloon is inflated, and the crimping tool is actuated to compress the stent on the outside of the balloon without application of heat or chemicals, thereby causing creases of the balloon to extend non-uniformly into the interstices of the stent. Optionally, pillows may be formed in the balloon to prevent longitudinal movement of the stent with respect to the balloon during intravascular delivery. One or more secondary crimpings also may be performed to achieve a smoother delivery profile.

主权项

1. A stent delivery system having a contracted delivery configuration and an expanded deployed configuration, the stent delivery system comprising:
a stent having a plurality of expandable elements and a plurality of interstices disposed between adjacent expandable elements; and a delivery catheter having an inflatable balloon comprising creases extending non-uniformly within the interstices of the stent in the contracted delivery configuration, each crease defining a maximum radial height within a corresponding interstice, wherein the maximum radial heights of the creases vary; wherein the stent delivery system is made by:
introducing an inflation medium into the balloon;compressing the stent to an intermediate configuration using a crimping tool;releasing at least a portion of the inflation medium from the balloon; andcompressing the stent to the contracted delivery configuration.