STENT-GRAFT DEPLOYMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

A stent or stent graft deployment apparatus or mechanism (320, 322) configured so that, when activated, the stent or stent graft (2) progressively expands in a direction from its first end which is proximally positioned to the deployment instrument, such as a percutaneous catheter, to its end which is distally positioned to the deployment instrument. The stent or stent graft deployment mechanism may include a tether or slip line configuration (306) that may minimize the likelihood of snagging between the line and stent member. A method is also provided for deploying a stent or stent graft within a mammalian lumen which includes expanding the stent or stent graft in such a proximal to distal direction. The apparatus and method of the present invention may minimize the likelihood of the stent or stent graft from being displaced from the desired site before it is somewhat secured in the vessel during deployment. The deployment means can facilitate expansion in a downstream to upstream direction where fluid flow in the lumen is downstream.