GERAET ZUR ERWEITERUNG VON GEFAESSEN UND SYSTEM ZUM EINBRINGEN DESSELBEN.

摘要

A cylindrical shaped stent (100) to prevent arterial acute closure and subsequent restenosis is inserted immediately after a balloon angioplasty procedure as an extension of this procedure. The cylinder is formed of longitudinal wires of biocompatible metal. The wires (10) are welded together in pairs at alternate ends with each pair of wires bent into a V-section. The wires (10) are all formed into a cylinder welded closed to form the stent. The stent is compressed and loaded into an outer catheter by a special tool. The stent is positioned and released for self expansion in situ by an inner catheter. A guide wire through both assists in threading the catheters through blood vessels. This guide wire can be the same one used in the prior balloon angioplasty if desired. An optional guide catheter encloses and directs the outer catheter to a point adjacent to the site. The stent (100) itself may be radiopaque or radiopaque markers on the distal ends of the inner and outer catheter can be provided and the radiopaque material detected by an external fluoroscope or x-ray to determine when the stent is at the desired prior balloon angioplasty site to position the stent properly. Hemostasis valve connectors at the proximal ends of the inner and outer catheters control bleeding, and permit injecting radiopaque dye or other therapeutic agents at the stent site. The hemostasis valves also permit relative adjustment of the various catheters necessary for releasing the stent (100) within the artery.