APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING PROSTHESES TO LUMINAL BIFURCATIONS

摘要

A catheter for delivering luminal prostheses comprises a catheter body having an expandable member near a distal end. The prosthesis has a side hole, and a guidewire extends beneath a proximal portion of the prosthesis and over the exterior of the expandable member. A distal end of the guidewire is retracted proximally from the closest point on the side opening to reduce possible interference with catheter advancement.

主权项

1. A delivery catheter comprising:
a catheter shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; an expansion member disposed near the distal end of the shaft; an expandable prosthesis having a side hole and being mounted over the expansion member; and a guidewire structure disposed over the expansion member and beneath a proximal portion of the expandable prosthesis; wherein the side hole of the prosthesis comprises an enlarged cell distinguishable from the adjacent or remaining structure of the prosthesis, and wherein the side hole of the prosthesis is configured to bridge the circumference of a side branch ostium after the prosthesis is expanded in a main branch vessel.