Abstract This application is directed to a stent delivery system for introducing a flexible, generally cylindrical, self-expandable stent. The system comprises a catheter having distal and proximal ends, the catheter defining at least one lumen extending therethrough and having at least three longitudinally displaced openings or sets of openings extending from a lumen to the surface of the catheter; a stent which comprises a generally cylindrical, expandable structure having proximal and distal ends and a flexible member extending proximally from the proximal end of the structure, the stent being wound circumferentially around the catheter, and having restraining members holding each of the proximal and distal ends of the stent to the catheter, and one or more restraining members holding at least a portion of the flexible member to the catheter surface; and one or two release wires positioned in and extending longitudinally through at least one lumen, the release wires cooperating with the restraining members so that as the release wire or wires are withdrawn proximally, the proximal and distal end sections of the stent are released in such a manner that coils of the stent unwind.
A method for removing a stent from a corporal duct of a patient which comprises the steps of: (a) advancing a stent removal system, which comprises a first catheter having distal and proximal ends and defining two or more longitudinally extending lumens, a snare means consisting of a loop member and at least one longitudinally extending pull wire, the loop member being positioned distal to the distal end of the first catheter and the at least one pull wire extending proximally through lumens in the first catheter to a point proximal to the proximal end of the first catheter, within a second catheter positioned within the corporal duct to a point proximal to the proximal end of a stent having a proximally extending member, (b) advancing the loop member of said stent removal system distally to a position distal to the proximal end of the stent, (c) causing the loop member to engage the proximally extending member of the stent, (d) pulling the at least one pull wire proximally to cause the proximal end of the stent to be adjacent the distal end of the catheter, (e) pulling the stent removal system proximally within the second catheter to cause the stent to move proximally within the second catheter at least far enough that the stent is no longer pressing against the inner wall of the corporal duct, and (f) pulling the stent removal system and the second catheter together in the proximal direction to remove them from the patient.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
249 words
A method for removing a stent from a corporal duct of a patient which comprises the steps of: (a) advancing a stent removal system, which comprises a first catheter having distal and proximal ends and defining two or more longitudinally extending lumens, a snare means consisting of a loop member and at least one longitudinally extending pull wire, the loop member being positioned distal to the distal end of the first catheter and the at least one pull wire extending proximally through lumens in the first catheter to a point proximal to the proximal end of the first catheter, within a second catheter positioned within the corporal duct to a point proximal to the proximal end of a stent having a proximally extending member, (b) advancing the loop member of said stent removal system distally to a position distal to the proximal end of the stent, (c) causing the loop member to engage the proximally extending member of the stent, (d) pulling the at least one pull wire proximally to cause the proximal end of the stent to be adjacent the distal end of the catheter, (e) pulling the stent removal system proximally within the second catheter to cause the stent to move proximally within the second catheter at least far enough that the stent is no longer pressing against the inner wall of the corporal duct, and (f) pulling the stent removal system and the second catheter together in the proximal direction to remove them from the patient.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1, wherein in step (c) the loop member is rotated 90° to 180° to engage the proximally extending member of the stent.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the loop member has a reaching portion that engages the proximal member of the stent.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the proximal member of the stent has a ball.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the stent is a coil.