STENT POSITIONING SYSTEM

摘要

There is provided a stent positioning system, including an inflatable balloon (22) for expanding a stent, the balloon, in its collapsed state, fitting into and being adapted to carry the stent in its pre-expanded condition; stent locator means slidably accommodated in a guide catheter and adapted to change its shape prior to making contact with the interior wall surface of a major blood vessel in the ostial region of a smaller blood vessel branching off from the major vessel and prior to the expansion of the stent, and mechanical means for changing the shape of the stent locator means; wherein the change of shape enables the locator means (14) to abut the interior wall surface, thereby ensuring correct apposition between the stent and the ostium of the smaller blood vessel.