A delivery system for a self-expanding stent includes a catheter having a distal end and being configured to retain a self-expanding stent proximate the distal end. The delivery system also includes an inflatable device provided on the catheter and positioned proximate the distal end. The inflatable device, typically a balloon, is configured to selectively assist the self-expanding stent with radially expansion. The catheter includes a tubular member and an outer member coaxially positioned about the tubular member. The outer member can slide relative to the tubular member in an axial direction. The outer member is configured to retain a self-expanding stent in a radially-compressed position and to release the self-expanding stent to a radially-expanded position. The delivery system may also include a holding sleeve provided on the tubular member, spaced from the distal end of the catheter, and configured to hold the self-expanding stent. The delivery system preferably includes a loading funnel configured to be removably attachable to the distal end of the tubular member and configured to assist with radial compression of the self-expanding stent and advancement of the self-expanding stent within the outer member.

Disclosed herein is a device (such as guidewire inserter) for easily and certainly inserting a medical long item having a curved tip into a tube such as catheter and sheath. The guidewire inserter is a tubular member having therein a bore for passage of a guidewire. The tubular member has a slit cutting across the wall thereof over the total length thereof. The tubular member has at the proximal end thereof an aperture, which results from the slit expanding toward the proximal end. The tubular member has at the proximal end of the aperture an open part and a connecting part adjacent thereto for the holder tube. There are a pair of wing-like protruded pieces projecting in the mutually opposite directions at both sides of the open part. The distal end of the tubular member has on its outer surface a pair of protruded rims, which project in the mutually opposite directions with respect to the central axis of the tubular member. When the distal end of the tubular member is connected by insertion into the bore at the proximal end of the tube, such as sheath, the protruded rims come into contact with the inside of the hub.

A stent delivery system for the placement of non-expandable stents in the urethra is described. The delivery system is generally composed of a catheter with a stent mounted near the distal end of the catheter. The stent is held in place by a balloon or mechanical mechanism.

A stent delivery system for the placement of non-expandable stents in the urethra is described. The delivery system is generally composed of a catheter with a stent mounted near the distal end of the catheter. The stent is held in place by a balloon or mechanical mechanism.

A stent introducer apparatus includes a handle with a proximal end and a distal end and having a portion that is coaxially slidable from the distal end to the proximal end and vice versa. A catheter having a proximal end and a distal end is provided with a pair of open end slits each of which defines a tab that is connected to the slidable portion of the handle. A guide wire is disposed within the catheter and has a proximal end and a distal end such that when the slidable portion of the handle is moved from the distal end to the proximal end, the distal end of the guide wire is exposed. The guide wire has a stent carrying portion at its distal end to carry a stent that is deployed when the distal end of the guide wire is exposed.