STENT POSITIONING SYSTEM

摘要

There is provided a stent positioning system, including an inflatable balloon ( 22 ) for expanding a stent, the balloon, in its collapsed state, fitting into and being adapted to carry the stent in its pre-expanded condition; stent locator means slidably accommodated in a guide catheter and adapted to change its shape prior to making contact with the interior wall surface of a major blood vessel in the ostial region of a smaller blood vessel branching off from the major vessel and prior to the expansion of the stent, and mechanical means for changing the shape of the stent locator means; wherein the change of shape enables the locator means ( 14 ) to abut the interior wall surface, thereby ensuring correct apposition between the stent and the ostium of the smaller blood vessel.