System for removably securing a stent on a catheter assembly and method of use

摘要

The invention is directed to a system for removably securing a stent which generally includes an expandable member of a catheter assembly, the expandable member having outwardly extending protrusions. An expandable stent is crimped onto the expandable member such that the protrusions extend into the gaps in the stent. The stent is secured in place on the expandable member while advancing the system through tortuous body lumen passages. The stent is implanted at the desired location in the body lumen by inflating the expandable member and thereby expanding the stent into the body lumen. The protrusions are pulled away from and out of the stent gaps by deflating the expandable member and retracting the remainder of the system.