Methods and devices for delivering a ventricular stent

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention include a device for placing a stent in a heart wall. The device may include a delivery tool configured to deliver the stent to a location within the heart wall, and a stop mechanism disposed on the delivery tool such that the stop mechanism is proximate at least one end of the stent during delivery of the stent. The stop mechanism may be configured to engage a surface to determine the placement location of the stent within the heart wall.

1 - 71 . (Cancelled).  
   
   
       72 . A device for placing a stent in a heart wall, the device comprising: 
 a delivery tool configured to deliver the stent to a location within the heart wall;    a stop mechanism disposed on the delivery tool such that the stop mechanism is proximate at least one end of the stent during delivery of the stent, said stop mechanism being configured to engage a surface to determine the placement location of the stent within the heart wall.    
   
   
       73 . The device of  claim 72 , wherein the delivery tool includes an expandable portion configured to carry the stent during delivery.  
   
   
       74 . The device of  claim 72 , wherein the expandable portion is an inflatable portion.  
   
   
       75 . The device of  claim 74 , wherein the inflatable portion is a balloon.  
   
   
       76 . The device of  claim 73 , wherein the expandable portion is a balloon.  
   
   
       77 . The device of  claim 76 , wherein a portion of the balloon forms the stop mechanism.  
   
   
       78 . The device of  claim 77 , wherein the portion of the balloon forming the stop mechanism includes a portion of the balloon extending beyond at least one end of the stent.  
   
   
       79 . The device of  claim 78 , wherein the portion of the balloon forming the stop mechanism extends beyond a proximal end of the stent.  
   
   
       80 . The device of  claim 77 , wherein the stop mechanism is formed when the balloon is inflated.  
   
   
       81 . The device of  claim 76 , wherin the stop mechanism includes a second expandable portion.  
   
   
       82 . The device of  claim 81 , wherein the second expandable portion is a second balloon.  
   
   
       83 . The device of  claim 72 , wherein the delivery tool includes a sheath.  
   
   
       84 . The device of  claim 83 , wherein the stop mechanism includes an expandable portion on a distal end of the sheath.  
   
   
       85 . The device of  claim 84 , wherein the expandable portion is made of nitinol.  
   
   
       86 . The device of  claim 84 , wherein the expandable portion has a basket-like configuration.  
   
   
       87 - 88 . (Cancelled).  
   
   
       89 . The device of  claim 72 , wherein the surface is a posterior wall of a coronary vessel.  
   
   
       90 . The device of  claim 72 , wherein the stop mechanism is configured to position a proximal end of the stent substantially flush with the surface.  
   
   
       91 . The device of  claim 72 , wherein the surface is a heart wall.  
   
   
       92 . The device of  claim 73 , wherein the expandable portion, when expanded, has a substantially dumbbell-like configuration.  
   
   
       93 . The device of  claim 84 , wherein the stop mechanism extends beyond a distal end of the stent.  
   
   
       94 . The device of  claim 72 , wherein the delivery tool is configured to form a passageway in the heart wall.  
   
   
       95 . The device of  claim 72 , wherein the delivery tool includes graduated markings to determine a depth of penetration of the delivery tool into the heart wall.  
   
   
       96 . The device of  claim 72 , wherein the delivery tool includes two expandable members.  
   
   
       97 . The device of  claim 96 , wherein the expandable members are balloons.  
   
   
       98 . The device of  claim 96 , wherein at least one of the two expandable members is configured to engage a posterior wall of a coronary vessel.  
   
   
       99 . The device of  claim 96 , wherein at least one of the two expandable members is configured to be placed within the heart wall.  
   
   
       100 . The device of  claim 99 , wherein the stent is disposed on the at least one of the two expandable members.  
   
   
       101 . The device of  claim 100 , wherein the stent is expanded by expansion of the least one of the two expandable members.