Stent Introducer Apparatus with Dilator Element

摘要

A dilator element 30 of a stent introducer apparatus 10 comprising a body part 36 made from a first material and a proximal end part 38 which is made of a second material that is stiffer or harder than the first material. At least a proximal end portion 35 of the proximal end part 38 is tapered in the direction away from the body part 36. The tapering is preferably a frusto-conical shape and may have a smooth surface. The body part 36 and proximal end part 38 are preferably fixedly attached. The entire proximal end part 38 may be tapered along its length and may be integral with the proximal end portion 35. The body part 36 may comprise a cylindrical body portion 32 and an integral tapered distal end portion 31. The body part 36 can be made of soft nylon material and the proximal end part 38 can be made of hard nylon material. Also disclosed is a stent introducer apparatus 10 comprising an introducer catheter 11 surrounding a pusher assembly 12 and a guide wire catheter. The pusher assembly 12 comprises an inner catheter and a pusher member. The guide wire catheter 16 is arranged to carry a stent 20 to be deployed. The apparatus also comprises the dilator element 30.