ANGIOPLASTY AND STENT DELIVERY CATHETER

摘要

The present invention relates to a device for protected angioplasty, intended for the implantation of a luminal endoprosthesis (or stent) in critical areas such as carotid or vertebral arteries, where protection of downstream-situated organs is highly desirable. The device comprises a central stent pusher part (2) comprising a microcatheter (4) bearing at its distal end (9) an atraumatic tip (10), said atraumatic tip (10) being prolonged by a tip balloon part (11) comprising an inflatable occlusive balloon (12) which may be inflated with a physiologically acceptable fluid at predetermined rates, a fluid-releasing section (13) extending at the proximal side of the occlusive balloon (12), said releasing section (13) being able to release the fluid from the balloon (12) into an upstream section of the vessel when the pressure of said fluid reaches a predetermined level.