METHOD FOR RETAINING A VASCULAR STENT ON A CATHETER

摘要

A method of securely mounting a stent on a balloon of a balloon catheter. The method generally includes crimping a stent on a balloon of a balloon catheter, and positioning the balloon with the drug delivery stent thereon within a polished bore of a mold formed at least in part of a metallic material. The balloon is pressurized and heated within the mold as the mold radially restrains the stent from expanding. The stent is re-crimped on the balloon after removal from the mold to increase retention of the stent on the balloon.