US6152944A — Catheter with removable balloon protector and ste…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 220 words

A stent delivery system comprising: a catheter comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, a shaft and an expandable member located at the distal portion, said expandable member having a first end and a second end and being constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of said catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state; a radially expandable stent of generally cylindrical configuration positioned around said distal portion of said catheter around the expandable member, said stent having a contracted condition, being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, and further being expandable to an expanded condition; removable stent protector means comprising a first removable sleeve in the region of the distal portion of the catheter positioned around the stent, said first sleeve further comprising a first end, and a second end, said first sleeve having a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over the ballon and stent, said stent protector means being removed prior to use of the stent delivery system and release of the stent by expansion of the balloon, wherein the stent protector means further comprises a second removable sleeve having a first and a second end, said second sleeve being positioned over the first sleeve and having a constrictive relationship with said first sleeve.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 220 words

A stent delivery system comprising: a catheter comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, a shaft and an expandable member located at the distal portion, said expandable member having a first end and a second end and being constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of said catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state; a radially expandable stent of generally cylindrical configuration positioned around said distal portion of said catheter around the expandable member, said stent having a contracted condition, being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, and further being expandable to an expanded condition; removable stent protector means comprising a first removable sleeve in the region of the distal portion of the catheter positioned around the stent, said first sleeve further comprising a first end, and a second end, said first sleeve having a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over the ballon and stent, said stent protector means being removed prior to use of the stent delivery system and release of the stent by expansion of the balloon, wherein the stent protector means further comprises a second removable sleeve having a first and a second end, said second sleeve being positioned over the first sleeve and having a constrictive relationship with said first sleeve.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 22 words

The stent delivery system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first sleeve and second sleeve is a continuous tube.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 21 words

The stent delivery system of claim 2 wherein at least a portion of said at least one continuous tube is dimpled.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 14 words

The stent delivery system of claim 3 wherein the entire continuous tube is dimpled.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 12 words

The stent delivery system of claim 3 wherein the dimples are round-like.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 13 words

The stent delivery system of claim 3 wherein the dimples are helical grooves.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 13 words

The stent delivery system of claim 3 having round-like dimples and helical dimples.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 19 words

The stent delivery system of claim 2 wherein said at least one straight tube further comprises a proximal flare.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 22 words

The stent delivery system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first and second sleeves has a slit extending therethrough.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 29 words

The stent delivery system of claim 9 wherein the slit is a longitudinal slit extending from the first end of the sleeve to the second end of the sleeve.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 33 words

The stent delivery system of claim 9 wherein the slit is a spiral slit extending in a helical manner from the first end of the sleeve to the second end of the sleeve.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 38 words

The stent delivery system of claim 9 wherein the slit extends distally in a helical manner from the first end of the sleeve and defines a proximal spiral region, said sleeve further comprising a distal continuous tubular portion.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 23 words

The stent delivery system of claim 12 wherein at least a portion of the distal continuous tubular portion further comprises a dimpled region.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 14 words

The stent delivery system of claim 13 wherein the dimpled region has round-like dimples.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 15 words

The stent delivery system of claim 13 wherein the dimpled region has dimpled helical grooves.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 19 words

The stent delivery system of claim 1 wherein the expandable member comprises a balloon made of an elastomeric material.

Claim 18

Independent Claim 237 words

A system for intraluminal delivery of a stent comprising: a balloon catheter comprising a shaft, a balloon associated with a distal portion of the shaft for receiving a stent, the shaft further comprising at least one dam and an inflation lumen associated with the balloon for inflation thereof; stent retaining means comprising a first removable sleeve for positioning around a stent and a second removable sleeve for positioning around the first sleeve such that the first sleeve is compressed by the second sleeve to an inner diameter less than or equal to the outer diameter of the at least one dams, said first and second sleeves being removed prior to use of the delivery system and release of a stent mounted to the catheter for delivery thereof by expansion of the balloon; wherein the first sleeve is made of a lubricious material and further comprises a first end, a second end and a slit extending therethrough, said slit providing a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over a stent mounted on the balloon; and the second sleeve has an inner diameter, prior to mounting on the catheter, less than the outer diameter of the first sleeve prior to mounting on the catheter, and wherein the slit extends distally in a helical manner from the first end of the sleeve and defines a proximal spiral region, said sleeve further comprising a distal continuous tubular portion.

Claim 19

Independent Claim 237 words

A system for intraluminal delivery of a stent comprising: a balloon catheter comprising a shaft, a balloon associated with a distal portion of the shaft for receiving a stent, the shaft further comprising at least one dam and an inflation lumen associated with the balloon for inflation thereof; stent retaining means comprising a first removable sleeve for positioning around a stent and a second removable sleeve for positioning around the first sleeve such that the first sleeve is compressed by the second sleeve to an inner diameter less than or equal to the outer diameter of the at least one dams, said first and second sleeves being removed prior to use of the delivery system and release of a stent mounted to the catheter for delivery thereof by expansion of the balloon; wherein the first sleeve is made of a lubricious material and further comprises a first end, a second end and a slit extending therethrough, said slit providing a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over a stent mounted on the balloon; and the second sleeve has an inner diameter, prior to mounting on the catheter, less than the outer diameter of the first sleeve prior to mounting on the catheter, and wherein the slit extends distally in a helical manner from the first end of the sleeve and defines a proximal spiral region, said sleeve further comprising a distal continuous tubular portion.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 17 words

The system of claim 17 wherein at least a portion of distal continuous tubular portion is dimpled.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 12 words

The system of claim 18 wherein said dimpled portion has round-like dimples.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 13 words

The system of claim 18 wherein said dimpled portion has dimpled helical grooves.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 27 words

The system of claim 17 wherein one of said first and second sleeves comprises a coiled flat wire, spring wound without a gap between the coils thereof.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 60 words

The system of claim 17 wherein at least one of said sleeves comprises a polymeric tube having a first end, a second end, and a variable inner diameter, wherein at least one of said ends is flared, said tube having a slit extending from the first end to the second end, enabling said sleeve to be peeled off the catheter.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 193 words

A stent delivery system comprising: a catheter comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, a shaft and an expandable member located at the distal portion, said expandable member having a first end and a second end and being constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of said catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state; a radially expandable stent of generally cylindrical configuration positioned around said distal portion of said catheter around the expandable member, said stent having a contracted condition, being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, and further being expandable to an expanded condition; removable stent protector means comprising a first removable sleeve in the region of the distal portion of the catheter positioned around the stent, said first sleeve further comprising a first end, and a second end, said first sleeve having a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over the balloon and stent, said stent protector means being removed prior to use of the stent delivery system and release of the stent by expansion of the balloon, wherein the first sleeve is a straight continuous tube.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 193 words

A stent delivery system comprising: a catheter comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, a shaft and an expandable member located at the distal portion, said expandable member having a first end and a second end and being constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of said catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state; a radially expandable stent of generally cylindrical configuration positioned around said distal portion of said catheter around the expandable member, said stent having a contracted condition, being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, and further being expandable to an expanded condition; removable stent protector means comprising a first removable sleeve in the region of the distal portion of the catheter positioned around the stent, said first sleeve further comprising a first end, and a second end, said first sleeve having a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over the balloon and stent, said stent protector means being removed prior to use of the stent delivery system and release of the stent by expansion of the balloon, wherein the first sleeve is a straight continuous tube.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 17 words

The medical device of claim 23 wherein at least a portion of the continuous tube is dimpled.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 13 words

The medical device of claim 24 wherein the continuous tube has round-like dimples.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 14 words

The medical device of claim 24 wherein the continuous tube has helical grooved dimples.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 13 words

The medical device of claim 24 wherein the entire continuous tube is dimpled.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 225 words

A stent delivery system comprising: a catheter comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, a shaft and an expandable member located at the distal portion, said expandable member having a first end and a second end and being constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of said catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state; a radially expandable stent of generally cylindrical configuration positioned around said distal portion of said catheter around the expandable member, said stent having a contracted condition, being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, and further being expandable to an expanded condition; removable stent protector means comprising a first removable sleeve in the region of the distal portion of the catheter positioned around the stent, said first sleeve further comprising a first end, and a second end, said first sleeve having a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over the balloon and stent, said stent protector means being removed prior to use of the stent delivery system and release of the stent by expansion of the balloon, wherein said first sleeve has a slit extending therethrough, and wherein the slit extends distally in a helical manner from the first end of the sleeve and defines a proximal spiral region, said sleeve further comprising a distal continuous tubular portion.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 225 words

A stent delivery system comprising: a catheter comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, a shaft and an expandable member located at the distal portion, said expandable member having a first end and a second end and being constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of said catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state; a radially expandable stent of generally cylindrical configuration positioned around said distal portion of said catheter around the expandable member, said stent having a contracted condition, being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, and further being expandable to an expanded condition; removable stent protector means comprising a first removable sleeve in the region of the distal portion of the catheter positioned around the stent, said first sleeve further comprising a first end, and a second end, said first sleeve having a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over the balloon and stent, said stent protector means being removed prior to use of the stent delivery system and release of the stent by expansion of the balloon, wherein said first sleeve has a slit extending therethrough, and wherein the slit extends distally in a helical manner from the first end of the sleeve and defines a proximal spiral region, said sleeve further comprising a distal continuous tubular portion.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 22 words

The medical device of claim 28 wherein the distal continuous tubular portion further comprises a dimpled region and a substantially smooth region.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 11 words

The medical device of claim 29 wherein the dimples are round-like.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 12 words

The medical device of claim 29 wherein the dimples are helical grooves.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 195 words

A stent delivery system comprising: a catheter comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, a shaft and an expandable member located at the distal portion, said expandable member having a first end and a second end and being constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of said catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state; a radially expandable stent of generally cylindrical configuration positioned around said distal portion of said catheter around the expandable member, said stent having a contracted condition, being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, and further being expandable to an expanded condition; removable stent protector means comprising a first removable sleeve in the region of the distal portion of the catheter positioned around the stent, said first sleeve further comprising a first end, and a second end, said first sleeve having a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over the balloon and stent, said stent protector means being removed prior to use of the stent delivery system and release of the stent by expansion of the balloon, wherein the stent is crimped to the expandable member for delivery.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 195 words

A stent delivery system comprising: a catheter comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, a shaft and an expandable member located at the distal portion, said expandable member having a first end and a second end and being constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of said catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state; a radially expandable stent of generally cylindrical configuration positioned around said distal portion of said catheter around the expandable member, said stent having a contracted condition, being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, and further being expandable to an expanded condition; removable stent protector means comprising a first removable sleeve in the region of the distal portion of the catheter positioned around the stent, said first sleeve further comprising a first end, and a second end, said first sleeve having a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over the balloon and stent, said stent protector means being removed prior to use of the stent delivery system and release of the stent by expansion of the balloon, wherein the stent is crimped to the expandable member for delivery.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 195 words

A stent delivery system comprising: a catheter comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, a shaft and an expandable member located at the distal portion, said expandable member having a first end and a second end and being constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of said catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state; a radially expandable stent of generally cylindrical configuration positioned around said distal portion of said catheter around the expandable member, said stent having a contracted condition, being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, and further being expandable to an expanded condition; removable stent protector means comprising a first removable sleeve in the region of the distal portion of the catheter positioned around the stent, said first sleeve further comprising a first end, and a second end, said first sleeve having a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over the balloon and stent, said stent protector means being removed prior to use of the stent delivery system and release of the stent by expansion of the balloon, wherein the first sleeve is made of a low friction material.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 195 words

A stent delivery system comprising: a catheter comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, a shaft and an expandable member located at the distal portion, said expandable member having a first end and a second end and being constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of said catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state; a radially expandable stent of generally cylindrical configuration positioned around said distal portion of said catheter around the expandable member, said stent having a contracted condition, being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, and further being expandable to an expanded condition; removable stent protector means comprising a first removable sleeve in the region of the distal portion of the catheter positioned around the stent, said first sleeve further comprising a first end, and a second end, said first sleeve having a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over the balloon and stent, said stent protector means being removed prior to use of the stent delivery system and release of the stent by expansion of the balloon, wherein the first sleeve is made of a low friction material.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 197 words

A stent delivery system comprising: a catheter comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, a shaft and an expandable member located at the distal portion, said expandable member having a first end and a second end and being constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of said catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state; a radially expandable stent of generally cylindrical configuration positioned around said distal portion of said catheter around the expandable member, said stent having a contracted condition, being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, and further being expandable to an expanded condition; removable stent protector means comprising a first removable sleeve in the region of the distal portion of the catheter positioned around the stent, said first sleeve further comprising a first end, and a second end said first sleeve having a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over the balloon and stent, said stent protector means being removed prior to use of the stent delivery system and release of the stent by expansion of the balloon, wherein the first end of the first sleeve further comprises a proximal flare.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 197 words

A stent delivery system comprising: a catheter comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, a shaft and an expandable member located at the distal portion, said expandable member having a first end and a second end and being constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of said catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state; a radially expandable stent of generally cylindrical configuration positioned around said distal portion of said catheter around the expandable member, said stent having a contracted condition, being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, and further being expandable to an expanded condition; removable stent protector means comprising a first removable sleeve in the region of the distal portion of the catheter positioned around the stent, said first sleeve further comprising a first end, and a second end said first sleeve having a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over the balloon and stent, said stent protector means being removed prior to use of the stent delivery system and release of the stent by expansion of the balloon, wherein the first end of the first sleeve further comprises a proximal flare.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 220 words

A stent delivery system comprising: a catheter comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, a shaft and an expandable member located at the distal portion, said expandable member having a first end and a second end and being constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of said catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state; a radially expandable stent of generally cylindrical configuration positioned around said distal portion of said catheter around the expandable member, said stent having a contracted condition, being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, and further being expandable to an expanded condition; removable stent protector means comprising a first removable sleeve in the region of the distal portion of the catheter positioned around the stent, said first sleeve further comprising a first end, and a second end, said first sleeve having a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over the balloon and stent, said stent protector means being removed prior to use of the stent delivery system and release of the stent by expansion of the balloon, wherein said first sleeve has a slit extending therethrough, and wherein the slit is a spiral slit extending in a helical manner from the first end of the sleeve to the second end of the sleeve.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 220 words

A stent delivery system comprising: a catheter comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, a shaft and an expandable member located at the distal portion, said expandable member having a first end and a second end and being constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of said catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state; a radially expandable stent of generally cylindrical configuration positioned around said distal portion of said catheter around the expandable member, said stent having a contracted condition, being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, and further being expandable to an expanded condition; removable stent protector means comprising a first removable sleeve in the region of the distal portion of the catheter positioned around the stent, said first sleeve further comprising a first end, and a second end, said first sleeve having a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over the balloon and stent, said stent protector means being removed prior to use of the stent delivery system and release of the stent by expansion of the balloon, wherein said first sleeve has a slit extending therethrough, and wherein the slit is a spiral slit extending in a helical manner from the first end of the sleeve to the second end of the sleeve.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2003-11-28	2004-05-29	2004-11-28	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2007-11-28	2008-05-29	2008-11-28	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2011-11-28	2012-05-29	2012-11-28	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Catheter with removable balloon protector and stent delivery system with removable stent protector

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