Deployment assembly and introducer
First Claim
1. A deployment assembly for deploying one or more components of an endovascular introducer assembly provided with a retractable element, the deployment assembly comprising an external manipulation element, and a sprung-loaded actuator element coupled to the external manipulation element, wherein at least part of the restoring force exerted by the sprung loaded element is at an angle to a direction of retraction of said retractable element along said external manipulation element.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A deployment assembly (10) for an introducer used for introducing into a patient a stent or other device, the deployment assembly including a housing 30 carrying a sprung loaded (90) actuator (44, 50). The actuator includes a toothed wheel (50) carrying a spool (48) around which a retraction strap (44) can be wound. The strap (44) is coupled to a body member (26) of the introducer and through this to the outer sheath (14) thereof. A trigger (16) is provided for operating the actuator (44, 50). When the trigger (16) is pressed, the actuator winds, under the force produced by the spring (90), the strap (44) to thereby retract the outer sheath (14) so as to expose and then deploy the device carried on the introducer. The mechanism is such that a surgeon need not expend his own energy to retract the outer sheath (14) since this force is provided by the spring (90). Furthermore, the spring (90) acts in a plane other than that of the direction of retraction of the sheath (14), which minimises the risk of inadvertent movement of the introducer as the sheath (14) is being retracted.
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Citations
29 Claims
- 1. A deployment assembly for deploying one or more components of an endovascular introducer assembly provided with a retractable element, the deployment assembly comprising an external manipulation element, and a sprung-loaded actuator element coupled to the external manipulation element, wherein at least part of the restoring force exerted by the sprung loaded element is at an angle to a direction of retraction of said retractable element along said external manipulation element.
- 12. A deployment assembly for deploying one or more components of an endovascular introducer assembly provided with a retractable element, the deployment assembly comprising a sprung-loaded actuator element, a coupling element for coupling the deployment device to a said retractable element and a speed control device for controlling the speed of operation of the actuator element.
Specification