摘要 |
A catheter for delivering self-expanding stents and other helical prostheses comprises a catheter body having a rotatable barrel at its distal end. The helical prosthesis is received within a helical channel on the rotatable barrel and covered with a retractable cover. Optionally, the channel includes a split membrane for covering the helical stent and preventing direct engagement by the stent against the cover. As the cover is retracted, the stent deploys radially outward and engages an inner wall of the lumen in which it is being deployed. Uncoiling or unwinding of the stent is accommodated by rotation of the barrel so that the stent is not dragged against the inner luminal wall potentially damaging said wall. |