According to aspects described herein, there is disclosed an improved hot
balloon catheter delivery system for shape memory tubular stents is
disclosed. An outer sheath is provided on the delivery system that
facilitates stent placement on a balloon during delivery through an
endoscope. In one embodiment, the stent may be positioned between
radiopaque markers/electrodes and the balloon may be heated. The stent
may be prevented from moving proximally relative to the catheter as the
delivery system is tracked through the patient's anatomical passageways.
The outer sheath may be positioned to ride over the proximal cone of the
hot balloon catheter and abut the proximal end of the stent to facilitate
proper alignment of the balloon for deployment. Upon deployment of the
stent in an appropriate position, the sheath may be pulled away from the
stent to expose the proximal cone of the balloon and thereby allow
balloon and stent expansion.