METHOD FOR MAKING AN APPARATUS FOR TREATMENT OF HYPERTROPHY OF THE PROSTATE GLAND

摘要

Disclosed is a method and apparatus for treatment of hypertrophy of the prostate gland. The apparatus comprises an expansion catheter (1) having an expandable tubular stent (18) associated therewith, adapted for transurethral insertion via the external opening of the urethra and placement within a stenotic region of the urethral lumen caused by a hypertrophied prostate gland. Force exerted by the expansion catheter upon the tubular expandable stent causes an opening of the lumen within the prostatic urethra. Removal of the expansion catheter, leaving in place the expanded tubular stent, ensures a long-term patency of the urethral lumen. Also disclosed is an apparatus (35) for reducing in diameter and thereafter removing a previously implanted and expanded tubular stent made and inserted in accordance with the present invention.