The present invention, in preferred embodiments, provides delivery and
deployment apparatuses for bifurcated stents capable of comfortably
cradling the corina of bifurcated target tissue between the arms of the
bifurcated stent as each arm of the bifurcated stent is delivered to a
respective side branch. In particular, a family of apparatuses is
provided that may be indicated for vascular and non-vascular
intervention. Additionally, these apparatuses do not require the use of
an ancillary means, such as one or more balloon catheters to achieve
complete and precise deployment. In preferred embodiments, delivery and
deployment devices in accordance with the present invention also provide,
direct visualization, deployment safety features and enhanced physician
control.