Stent Delivery and Retention Apparatus

Abstract

A stent delivery system comprises an inner member and an expandable balloon mounted in a collapsed state on the inner member, the expandable balloon having a first and a second end. A compressible stent having a first diameter is mounted in a compressed state around the expandable balloon between the first and second ends of the balloon. At least a first retainer pillow is formed in the expandable balloon at its first end and has an outer diameter which is at least substantially equal to the diameter of the compressed stent. A first pillow support member is mounted on the inner member and supports the first retainer pillow to maintain the pillow's outer diameter.

1 - 6 . (canceled)  
   
   
       7 . A stent delivery system according to claim  1  wherein said first support member is a tapered member which engages said inner member, and has a proximal diameter which tapers to a larger distal diameter.  
   
   
       8 . A stent delivery system according to claim  1  wherein said first support member includes a proximal tubular section of a second diameter which engages said inner member, and a distal coiled section of a third diameter for supporting said at least a first retainer pillow.  
   
   
       9 . A stent delivery system according to  claim 8  wherein said distal coiled section is made of memory alloy.  
   
   
       10 . A stent delivery system according to claim  1  wherein said first support member includes a tubular section of a second diameter which engages inner member, and distal ring member of a third diameter resiliently coupled to said tubular section for supporting said at least a first retainer pillow.  
   
   
       11 . A stent delivery system according to  claim 10  wherein said tubular section is coupled to said distal ring by a plurality of leaf springs.  
   
   
       12 . A stent delivery system according to  claim 11  wherein said plurality of leaf springs are made of a memory alloy.