Low profile mounting method for low profile balloon expandable stents

摘要

A process is disclosed for eliminating balloon overhang beyond the ends of the stent. The edge of the cylindrical portion of the balloon is marked to allow exact adjustment of the stent location and length. The marked balloon is attached to the catheter shaft and then folded. The stent is grabbed and moved longitudinally with respect to the balloon. The stent can now be crimped in place with the stent ends exactly matched to the balloon edges thus eliminating balloon overhang. The final step in process is to nest the stent onto the balloon.