Method and apparatus for deployment of an endoluminal device

A method for deployment of an endoluminal device in a distal location in a body lumen from a proximal location, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) inserting an introducer into the body lumen having a lumen wall, the introducer comprising a retrograde portion, an anterograde portion comprising a distal tip and an anterograde sheath attached proximally to the distal tip, a shaft attached to the distal tip and extending concentrically through a central lumen defined by the anterograde portion and retrograde portion, an endoluminal device mounted concentrically over the shaft in the central lumen and having a distal end contained by the anterograde portion and a proximal end contained by the retrograde portion, an inflatable balloon mounted inside the retrograde portion for anchoring the endoluminal device during deployment of the device, and a proximally retractable retrograde sheath extending distally over the balloon and the proximal end of the endoluminal device;
• (b) aligning the proximal end of the endoluminal device in a deployment location;
• (c) retracting the retrograde sheath to allow a proximal portion of the endoluminal device including the proximal end to deploy;
• (d) inflating the balloon to compress the proximal portion of the endoluminal device against the lumen wall;
• and
• (e) extending the shaft to distally advance the anterograde sheath to deploy a remaining portion of the endoluminal device.