Delivery apparatus for a self-expanding stent

摘要

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a delivery apparatus for a self-expanding stent. The apparatus has an outer sheath which is an elongated tubular member with distal and proximal ends and inside and outside diameters. The outer sheath has an enlarged section adjacent its distal end. The enlarged section has a greater inside and outside diameter than the inside and outside diameter of the sheath proximal to the enlarged section. The apparatus also includes an inner shaft located coaxially within the outer sheath. The shaft has a distal end and a proximal end. The shaft further includes a stop attached thereto which is proximal to the distal end of the sheath. Lastly, the apparatus includes a self-expanding stent located within the enlarged section of the outer sheath and makes frictional contact with the outer sheath. The shaft is disposed coaxially within a lumen of the stent, whereby the stent makes contact with the stop during deployment.