| abstract |
A delivery catheter for a radially compressible tubular prosthesis comprises an elongate shaft slidably received within an elongate sheath. The prosthesis is carried over the distal end of the shaft where it is contained in a radially compressed configuration by the sheath. After introducing the catheter to a desired target location within a body lumen, the prosthesis may be released by proximally retracting the sheath. Optionally, the prosthesis will remain anchored to the shaft during at least part of the release procedure, permitting the user to recapture the prosthesis by distally advancing the sheath. Additionally, an alternative delivery catheter for a radially compressible tubular prosthesis is provided, comprising an elongate shaft slidably received within a tubular cover. The prosthesis is carried within a plurality of elongate, relatively hard runners, and is restrained in a radially compressed configuration by the cover. The prosthesis may be released by proximally retracting the cover. The runners may optionally remain disposed about the prosthesis to be retracted separately, or, alternatively, the runners retract proximally with the cover as the prosthesis slides over the hard runner surfaces. |