摘要 |
An introducer for deploying an implantable medical device such as a stent (60), stent graft (80) or other similar device is provided with an outer sheath (132,232) which is provided with a series of internally longitudinally extending channels (136. 236) and interdigitating protrusions (134, 234) extending therein. At least on stent ring (0) of the medical device is provided with one or more barbs (104) which point radially outwardly of the device, including when this is compressed onto the introducer. The barbs (104) lie within the channels (136, 236) which the remainder of the medical device is retained in its compressed form by the elongate protrusions (134, 234). The channels (136, 236) allow for the provision of relatively stiff barbs (104). The barbs (104) can be better suited to ensuring the correct placement of the medical device than flexible barb arrangements.
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