ENHANCED STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM

摘要

A stent delivery system is comprised of an elongated flexible advancement member (5) which terminates in a tubular tracking member (7) slidable over a guidewire (9). An inflatable balloon (10) has proximal and distal ends, the proximal end communicating with an inflation channel (15), and the distal end attaching to the tracking member. The balloon portion is coextensive with but not attached to the advancement member, which is external to the balloon. A stent (54) is positioned around the inflatable balloon, and when the balloon is inflated, the stent expands radially. The outer surface of the expanded stent has one or more projections (74) that enhance retention of the stent.