| 摘要 |
The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for use in crimping a stent. In one embodiment, an arrangement is described that includes a stent delivery device. A stent having a plurality of struts is crimped onto the stent delivery device. The arrangement also includes a crimp sheath that covers at least a portion of the stent. The crimp sheath is formed at least in part from a compliant viscoelastic material. The viscoelastic portions of the crimp sheath protrude into the gaps formed between adjacent crimped struts. In this manner, the viscoelastic portions form protrusions that extend into the gaps to a sufficient depth to prevent the struts from contacting one another. By way of example, in one embodiment, the protrusions extend to a depth of at least 18 percent of the thickness of the associated adjacent struts.
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