Stent delivery system utilizing novel balloon for obtaining variable post-deployment stent characteristics

摘要

A stent delivery system is provided which incorporates a polyurethane balloon which exhibits a high coefficient of friction with respect to metallic substrates. Through the process of stent expansion, the delivery system creates a differential in the rate of axial growth of metallic stents. The differential in growth causes a center portion of the stent to experience greater axial expansion than respective end portions. The stent has the lower axial expansion of the end portions results in a stent having end portions of comparatively higher radial stiffness than the corresponding center portion of the stent.