Flared Ostial Endoprosthesis and Delivery System

Abstract

An intraluminal endoprosthesis having a conically shaped first end and a tubular shaped balloon-expandable stent for a main body is disclosed. The conically shaped first end may form a flare to the main body and is particularly well suited for in ostium use. The first end is preferably self-expanding and the main body is preferably balloon-expandable. Also disclosed is a delivery device for delivering intraluminal ostial endoprosthetic devices, especially those disclosed herein, to a site for deployment. The delivery device may comprise an over-the-wire system or may comprise a rapid-exchange shuttle system. The self-expanding portion of the endoprosthesis is encapsulated in a sheath or other restraining apparatus on the delivery device. The balloon-expandable stent portion of the endoprosthesis is crimped onto a balloon delivery device. The delivery system and endoprosthesis of the present invention allow the endoprosthesis to be partially expanded and relocated if it is determined that it is not located in the proper location. To aid in positioning, the delivery device may comprise marker bands.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus for delivering to an intralumen site an endoprosthesis having a self-expanding region and a balloon-expandable section, the apparatus comprising:
 a distal region;   a balloon delivery device that encapsulates at least a portion of the distal region and on which the balloon-expandable stent section is crimped;   a pull-back sheath for encapsulating at least a portion of the self-expanding region, the pull-back sheath surrounding part of the distal region of the apparatus; and   one or more marker bands located on the distal region for locating the position of the balloon-expandable section when the endoprosthesis is in a lumen of a vessel.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein one marker band is distinguishable from another when the delivery device is in a lumen of a vessel. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12  or  13 , further comprising a guidewire and wherein the distal region traverses the guidewire en route to the site. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 12  or  13 , further comprising a rapid exchange shuttle, wherein the the distal region traverses the rapid exchange shuttle en route to the site. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 12  or  13 , wherein the number of marker bands is three. 
     
     
         17 - 30 . (canceled)