METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR STENT DELIVERY AND DEPLOYMENT
For scaffolds delivered and deployed intravascularly, one or several configurations may be employed for creating a smoother transition from balloon-to-scaffold. For instance, one or more spacers may be positioned in proximity to the scaffold. Alternatively, portions of the inflatable balloon may be configured to provide a smooth transition. In another alternative, the stent edges may be shaped to provide a smooth transition. In yet other variations, any number of different combinations of such features may be employed.
1 . A scaffold delivery apparatus, comprising:
a catheter having an inflatable balloon thereupon;
an expandable scaffold secured upon the inflatable balloon; and
a distal spacer positioned beneath or within the inflatable balloon at a location distal to the scaffold,
wherein the distal spacer is tapered to widen from a distal end to a proximal end adjacent to the scaffold.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a proximal spacer positioned beneath or within the inflatable balloon at a location proximal to the scaffold.
3 . The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the proximal spacer is tapered to narrow from a distal end adjacent to the scaffold to a proximal end.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a widened end of the distal spacer defines a diameter which is similar to a diameter of the scaffold when crimped upon the balloon to prevent scaffold edges from protruding beyond the spacer.
5 . The apparatus of claim 4 wherein expansion of the scaffold for deployment expands the scaffold to a second diameter which is larger than the diameter of the spacer.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a distal portion of the inflatable balloon defines a tapered transition adjacent to a distal end of the scaffold and a proximal portion of the inflatable balloon defines a tapered transition adjacent to the proximal end of the scaffold.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the scaffold defines at least a distal tapered edge.
8 . A scaffold delivery apparatus, comprising:
an inflatable balloon positioned upon a catheter; and
an expandable scaffold secured upon the inflatable balloon,
wherein the scaffold defines at least a distal tapered edge.
9 . The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a distal spacer positioned beneath or within the inflatable balloon at a location distal to the scaffold, wherein the distal spacer is tapered to widen from a distal end to a proximal end adjacent to the scaffold, and
10 . The apparatus of claim 8 wherein a distal portion of the inflatable balloon defines a tapered transition adjacent to a distal end of the scaffold and a proximal portion of the inflatable balloon defines a tapered transition adjacent to the proximal end of the scaffold, and wherein the scaffold defines at least a distal tapered edge.
11 . The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a distal spacer positioned beneath or within the inflatable balloon at a location distal to the scaffold,
wherein the distal spacer is tapered to widen from a distal end to a proximal end adjacent to the scaffold,
wherein a distal portion of the inflatable balloon defines a tapered transition adjacent to a distal end of the scaffold and a proximal portion of the inflatable balloon defines a tapered transition adjacent to the proximal end of the scaffold, and
wherein the scaffold defines at least a distal tapered edge.
12 . A scaffold delivery apparatus, comprising:
an inflatable balloon positioned upon a catheter; and
an expandable scaffold secured upon the inflatable balloon,
wherein a distal portion of the inflatable balloon defines a tapered transition adjacent to a distal end of the scaffold and a proximal portion of the inflatable balloon defines a tapered transition adjacent to the proximal end of the scaffold.
13 . A scaffold delivery apparatus, comprising:
a catheter having an inflatable balloon thereupon;
an expandable scaffold secured upon the inflatable balloon;
a distal spacer positioned beneath or within the inflatable balloon at a location distal to the scaffold,
wherein the distal spacer is tapered to widen from a distal end to a proximal end adjacent to the scaffold, and
wherein a distal portion of the inflatable balloon defines a tapered transition adjacent to a distal end of the scaffold and a proximal portion of the inflatable balloon defines a tapered transition adjacent to the proximal end of the scaffold.
14 . A scaffold delivery apparatus, comprising:
a catheter having an inflatable balloon thereupon;
an expandable scaffold secured upon the inflatable balloon;
a distal spacer positioned beneath or within the inflatable balloon at a location distal to the scaffold,
wherein the distal spacer is tapered to widen from a distal end to a proximal end adjacent to the scaffold, and
wherein the scaffold defines at least a distal tapered edge.
15 . A scaffold delivery apparatus, comprising:
a catheter having an inflatable balloon thereupon;
an expandable scaffold secured upon the inflatable balloon;
wherein a distal portion of the inflatable balloon defines a tapered transition adjacent to a distal end of the scaffold and a proximal portion of the inflatable balloon defines a tapered transition adjacent to the proximal end of the scaffold, and
wherein the scaffold defines at least a distal tapered edge.
16 . A scaffold delivery apparatus, comprising:
a catheter having an inflatable balloon thereupon;
an expandable scaffold secured upon the inflatable balloon;
a distal spacer positioned beneath or within the inflatable balloon at a location distal to the scaffold,
wherein the distal spacer is tapered to widen from a distal end to a proximal end adjacent to the scaffold,
wherein a distal portion of the inflatable balloon defines a tapered transition adjacent to a distal end of the scaffold and a proximal portion of the inflatable balloon defines a tapered transition adjacent to the proximal end of the scaffold, and
wherein the scaffold defines at least a distal tapered edge.
17 . A method of delivery a scaffold, comprising:
providing a catheter having an inflatable balloon thereupon, an expandable scaffold secured upon the inflatable balloon, and a distal spacer positioned beneath or within the inflatable balloon at a location distal to the scaffold, wherein the distal spacer is tapered to widen from a distal end to a proximal end adjacent to the scaffold; and,
inflating the balloon such that the scaffold is expanded radially beyond the distal spacer.