| abstract |
The invention is directed to a self-expanding stent (10) for implantation into a body lumen, such as an artery (15). The stent (10) consists of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements (12) generally aligned on a common longitudinal stent axis and interconnected by a plurality of interconnecting members (13) placed on the stent (10) in a collinear arrangement such as to create at least one continuous spine (76) which extends along the length of the stent (10). The invention also is directed to a stent delivery system (11) for implantation of a stent in a vessel which includes an outer tubular member (22) having a restraining sheath (29) and an inner tubular member (21) having a distal end (39) which has a compressed stent (10) mounted thereto. The proximal end (24) of the inner tubular member (21) is connected to a housing assembly (18) which prevents the tubular member (21) from moving when the outer tubular member (22) is retracted to deploy the stent (10). The proximal end (26) of the outer tubular member (22) is attached to a pull-back handle (27) which is slidably mounted on the base (25) of the housing assembly (18). When the pull-back handle (27) is retracted, the restraining sheath (29) is retracted to deploy the sheath, while the inner tubular member (21) remains stationary. |