ABSTRACT
The low profile of the stent allows easy delivery through 6 French and large lumen 5 French guiding catheters. Before expansion the stent is clearly visible on the delivery balloon while visibility after expansion is dependent on the patient’s characteristics and quality of the X-ray system. The stent delivery system is suitable for direct stenting, but extremely tortuous vessels and calcification should be avoided. The balloon is a high pressure semi-compliant balloon easily expandable up to 14-16 atmospheres. If oversized balloons are used, slight withdrawal of the balloon is recommended as a minimal dog-bone effect can be present in highly resistant lesions. The absence of specific techniques of crimping is an advantage as the balloon will easily become free from the stent after deployment and can be used for postdilatation or dilatation elsewhere in the vessel.
