Delivery system for medical device

Abstract

A system for delivery of a medical device to a target site within the body of a patient includes an introducer sheath, and a delivery assembly receivable within a passageway of the sheath. The delivery assembly comprises an inner tubular and an outer tubular member. At least a distal portion of the inner tubular member has a diameter such that the medical device is receivable thereover. The outer tubular member is generally coaxial with the inner tubular member, and has a length such that the outer tubular member distal end terminates proximal to the inner tubular member distal portion. The outer tubular member has a first outer diameter at the proximal end and extends for a length of the outer tubular member to a first diameter boundary point. The outer tubular member has a gradual inward taper in the distal direction from the boundary point to a second outer diameter, and has an abrupt outward taper in the distal direction from the second diameter to the first diameter.

1 - 15 . (canceled) 
   
   
       16 . A delivery assembly for use in delivering a medical device to a target site within the body of a patient, comprising:
 an inner tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, at least a distal portion of said inner tubular member having a diameter such that said medical device is receivable thereover in a compressed condition; an outer tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, said outer tubular member generally coaxial with the inner tubular member and having a length such that said outer tubular member distal end terminates proximal to said inner tubular member distal portion, said outer tubular member having a first outer diameter at said proximal end and having a gradual inwardly tapered portion in a distal direction to a second outer diameter; and a holder band having a proximal end and a distal end, at least a portion of said holder band disposed over said outer tubular member second diameter, said holder band sized and arranged to maintain a position of said medical device on said inner tubular member.   
   
   
       17 . The delivery assembly of  claim 16 , wherein said first outer diameter extends for a major length of said outer tubular member to a first diameter boundary point, said outer tubular member having said gradual inward taper in the distal direction from said boundary point to said second outer diameter. 
   
   
       18 . The delivery assembly of  claim 17 , wherein said holder band has an outward taper from said distal end to said proximal end, at least a portion of said outward taper corresponding to said outer tubular portion inward taper. 
   
   
       19 . The delivery assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the distal end of said holder band comprises a shoulder for inhibiting proximal movement of said medical device. 
   
   
       20 . The delivery assembly of  claim 16 , wherein said holder band has a greater flexibility than a flexibility of said outer and inner tubular members.