Introducer for single operator stent delivery system

摘要

A method and apparatus are disclosed for introducing stents into intravascular guiding catheters. The introducer includes clamps to retain the introducer in a desired position on the stent delivery catheter prior to deployment, as well as a tubular body extending from the clamp that preferably protects the distal end of the stent delivery catheter prior to deployment. The clamp is movable to selectively clamp or release the shaft of the stent delivery catheter. In addition, the clamp includes a guidewire channel that clamps the guidewire in a fixed position relative to the clamp while simultaneously releasing the shaft of the stent delivery catheter to allow the stent to be advanced over the guidewire. These operations can preferably be accomplished by a single operator.