Abbott Laboratories Vascular Enterprises Limited

Abbott Laboratoris Vascular Entities Limited

Martin Frei

Michael Schwager

Suk-Woo Ha

Stent delivery system having a contracted delivery configuration and an expanded deployed configuration is provided. The stent delivery system includes a stent having a plurality of expandable elements and a plurality of interstices disposed between adjacent expandable elements, and a delivery catheter having an inflatable balloon including creases extending non-uniformly within the interstices of the stent in the contracted delivery configuration. Each crease defines a maximum radial height within a corresponding interstice, and the maximum radial heights of the creases vary. A method for stenting at a target site within a patient's vessel including providing a stent delivery system is also provided.

Process for loading a stent onto a stent delivery system

A method of making a stent delivery system is provided in which a delivery catheter has a balloon that extends non-uniformly into interstices of a stent. In accordance with the method a balloon/stent/crimping tube assembly is placed in a crimping tool, the balloon is inflated, and the crimping tool is actuated to compress the stent on the outside of the balloon without application of heat or chemicals, thereby causing creases of the balloon to extend non-uniformly into the interstices of the stent. Optionally, pillows may be formed in the balloon to prevent longitudinal movement of the stent with respect to the balloon during intravascular delivery. One or more secondary crimpings also may be performed to achieve a smoother delivery profile.

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Schaffhausen, Switzerland

Martin Frei