FULLY SHEATHED BALLOON EXPANDABLE STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM

摘要

A stent delivery system which includes a self dividing and retracting stent retaining sleeve having a ribbed configuration. The ribbed configuration providing the sleeve with reduced columnar strength and an improved radial strength characteristics. The present stent delivery system further providing for a perforated portion on the sleeve which will rupture at a predetermined pressure thereby dividing the sleeve into a proximal portion and a distal portion. The ribbed sleeve portions providing a recoil action in opposite longitudinal directions to the individual sleeve portions which assists in actively retracting the sleeve portions off of the stent being expanded.