Reconstrainment Band with Reduced Removal Interference

Abstract

The reconstrainment band includes a hollow generally tubular shaped band having proximal and distal ends and having an exterior surface for engaging a stent and an interior surface for engaging a delivery tube. The exterior surface has at least one fin projecting therefrom along the longitudinal axis of the band. The fin has at least one obtusely shaped surface relative to the longitudinal axis and facing one of the ends. The reconstrainment band is included in a delivery device for intraluminally positioning and deploying a radially distensible stent. Reconstrainment of a partially deployed stent is provided by the delivery device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 229,976, filed Jul. 30, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to reconstrainment bands and, more specifically, to a reconstrainment band having reduced interference with a stent when removed therefrom.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]An endoprosthesis or intraluminal prosthesis is a medical device used in the treatment of diseased bodily lumens. One type of endoprosthesis used in the repair and / or treatment of diseases in various body vessels is a stent. A stent is a generally longitudinal tubular device formed of biocompatible material which is useful to open and support various lumens in the body. For example, stents may be used in the vascular system, urogenital tract, esophageal tract, tracheal / bronchial tubes and bile duct, as well as in a variety of other appl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]The inclination of the obtusely shaped surface reduces the likelihood of contact between the fin and stent causing the stent to catch on the fin. Consequently, the likelihood of the catching impeding the longitudinal displacement of the reconstrainment band within the stent is reduced. As a result, removal of the reconstrainment band and the attached delivery tube from within the stent is facilitated. Also, the likelihood of the catching causing the stent to be carried by the reconstrainment band during the removal thereof from within the stent is reduced.

[0012]Additionally, the inclination of the obtusely shaped surface reduces the likelihood of the inward radial compression and displacement of the stent toward the reconstrainment band causing the stent to catch on the fin. Consequently, the likelihood of the catching impeding the reconstrainment of the stent which typically entails the inward radial compression and displacement of the stent toward the reconstrainment band is reduced. Further, the likelihood of the catching impeding the initial loading of the stent between the sheath and reconstrainment band in the delivery device which also typically entails the inward radial compression and displacement of the stent toward the reconstrainment band is reduced.

Problems solved by technology

Consequently, when the reconstrainment band is fixed to the delivery tube, axial displacement of the stent relative to the delivery tube is obstructed.

The inclination of the obtusely shaped surface reduces the likelihood of contact between the fin and stent causing the stent to catch on the fin.

Additionally, the inclination of the obtusely shaped surface reduces the likelihood of the inward radial compression and displacement of the stent toward the reconstrainment band causing the stent to catch on the fin.

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