STENT DELIVERY CATHETER WITH BUMPERS FOR IMPROVED RETENTION OF BALLOON EXPANDABLE STENTS

摘要

An improved balloon catheter which includes bumpers located adjacent to the proximal and distal ends of the catheter balloon. The bumpers form a recessed pocket into which a stent crimped onto the catheter balloon is mounted. The recessed pocket formed by the bumpers securely retains the stent on the balloon and minimizes undesired contact between the stent and arterial walls and lesions during advancement of the stent within a patient's vasculature.