Hybrid lumen-supporting stents having self-expanding end segments

摘要

A stent and stent deployment system and related methods are disclosed wherein the stent has at least one end segment comprised of a self-expanding material attached to a body portion comprised of a biocompatible material. The stent deployment system comprises a balloon catheter having a stent disposed over the balloon. In one embodiment a stent's end segments extend beyond the proximal and distal ends of the balloon such that they are able to stent a portion of a vessel not expanded or damaged by balloon expansion. This stenting beyond area expanded or damaged by balloon expansion provides for a less abrupt transition between stented and unstented portions of a vessel.