SEGMENTED BALLOON DELIVERY SYSTEM

摘要

The present invention utilizes a balloon catheter which has a plurality of balloon elements or segments which are carried by the catheter in a stent mounting region. The balloon elements are spaced and arranged longitudinally relative to the catheter, within the stent mounting region, and provide at least one space between the balloon elements. An expandable stent may be carried by the balloon catheter in the stent mounting region. When mounted to the balloon catheter the stent is in an unexpanded diameter and when inflated by the balloon elements the stent will expand to an expanded diameter sufficient for seating into a body vessel. At least one stent mounting body is positioned in each of the spaces between the individual balloon elements. These stent mounting bodies extend radially from the catheter between the balloon elements and have a predetermined size which is less than the expanded stent diameter. The stent mounting bodies directly receive and secure the stent in the unexpanded diameter to the balloon catheter, while providing for minimal contact between the balloon elements and the stent.