DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM FOR AN ENDOLUMINAL DEVICE

摘要

A deployment system (10) for an endoluminal device. The deployment system (10) includes a confining sheath (12) placed around a compacted endoluminal device (14, 15). A deployment line (16) is provided in the system that is an integral extension of the sheath (12). As the deployment line (16) is actuated, the sheath (12) retracts from around the compacted endolurninal device (14, 15). As the sheath (12) retracts from around the endoluminal device (14, 15), material from the sheath may be converted into deployment line (16). Once the sheath (12) is retracted from around the compacted endoluminal device (14, 15), the endoluminal device (14, 15) expands in configuration and repairs vascular or cardiac structures of an implant recipient. Any remaining sheath material (12) is removed from the implantation site along with the deployment line (16). The deployment system (10) also includes an endo-prosthesis mounting member (18) placed between the endoluminal device and an underlying catheter (19). The endo-prosthesis mounting member (18) serves to cushion and retain the endoluminal device (14, 15) when constrained by the sheath (12) and may assist in expansion of the endoluminal device (14, 15) when unconstrained by the sheath (12).