Low Friction Vascular Implant Delivery Device

Abstract

A vascular implant delivery device is disclosed and can include a body and a syringe attachment formed in the body. Further, the device can include an outer sheath extending from the body. The outer sheath can include a distal end that can be configured to receive a vascular implant. The device can also include at least three implant support structures that can extend radially inward from the distal end of the outer sheath. The implant support structures can be configured to support and guide a vascular implant moving through the outer sheath. Additionally, the device can include an inner carrier catheter slidably disposed within the outer sheath.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A vascular implant delivery system, comprising:
 a vascular implant;   an outer sheath having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a lumen bound by the inner surface;   at least three voids formed in the inner surface of the outer sheath extending longitudinally along the inner surface of the outer sheath;   at least three lubricious longitudinal support structures located between the voids, wherein the longitudinal support structures are configured to be in direct contact with an outer surface of the vascular implant when the vascular implant is loaded within the outer sheath.   
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein each longitudinal support structure extends along a length of the outer sheath from a proximal end to a distal end of the outer sheath. 
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal support structures are configured to support and guide the vascular implant as it moves relative to the outer sheath. 
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 1 , further comprising an inner carrier catheter slidably disposed radially inside the outer sheath and the vascular implant. 
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the vascular implant comprises a stent, a stent graft, an intravenous filter, an angioplasty balloon, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 5 , wherein the vascular implant is an angioplasty balloon. 
     
     
         7 . The system according to  claim 5 , wherein the vascular implant is a stent configured to expand to a shape memory configuration based on exposure to body temperature within a patient. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each longitudinal support structure is formed between adjacent voids. 
     
     
         9 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal support structures do not contact more than thirty-five percent (35%) of the outer surface of the vascular implant. 
     
     
         10 . The system according to  claim 9 , wherein the longitudinal support structures do not contact more than ten percent (10%) of the outer surface of the vascular implant. 
     
     
         11 . The system according to  claim 10 , wherein the longitudinal support structures contact at least five percent (5%) of the outer surface of the vascular implant. 
     
     
         12 . The system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a syringe attachment port capable of fluid communication with the lumen of the outer sheath. 
     
     
         13 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein each void is configured to deliver lubricant around the vascular implant as the vascular implant is moved through the outer sheath. 
     
     
         14 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal support structures are formed in the inner surface of the outer sheath from the material of the inner surface of the outer sheath. 
     
     
         15 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least three longitudinal support structures has a generally trapezoidal-shaped cross section. 
     
     
         16 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal support structures comprise at least three longitudinal fibers partially embedded within the outer sheath, and wherein each longitudinal fiber at least partially extends radially into the lumen of the outer sheath. 
     
     
         17 . A method of delivering a vascular implant to a patient, the method comprising:
 providing a vascular implant delivery system comprising:
 an outer sheath having a lumen bound by an inner surface of the outer sheath, wherein the lumen includes at least three voids formed in the inner surface of the outer sheath extending longitudinally along the inner surface of the outer sheath; and 
 at least three longitudinal support structures located between the voids, wherein the longitudinal support structures are in direct contact with an outer surface of a vascular implant loaded within the outer sheath; 
   moving the vascular implant within the outer sheath to a target area within a patient;   commencing delivery of a lubricant through the outer sheath wherein the lubricant flows at least partially into the voids and around the vascular implant; and   expelling the vascular implant from the outer sheath.   
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , further comprising ceasing delivery of the lubricant. 
     
     
         19 . A method of making an outer sheath, comprising:
 installing a plurality of fibers in a mandrel having an outer periphery, wherein the fibers extend along a length of the mandrel and extend radially outward beyond the outer periphery of the mandrel; and   forming a material around the mandrel in a generally tubular shape to form an outer sheath, wherein the material of the outer sheath partially encompasses each of the plurality of fibers.