Stent assist system, deployment system including same, and associated method

A deployment system, comprising:

• a deployable stent system comprising a pusher rod and a stent coupled to the pusher rod;
• and
• a stent assist system comprising:
• a shaft component configured to move between an expanded state and a contracted state in order to allow for coupling to the pusher rod, the shaft component having an inner lumen configured to receive the pusher rod, and
• a number of stent assist bars coupled to the shaft component and configured to pivot between a retracted position and an expanded position in order to abut a wall of a branching vessel, and thereby allow for accurate placement of the stent within the branching vessel.

A method of deploying a stent within a branching vessel of a patient with a deployment system, the deployment system comprising a deployable stent system and a stent assist system, the deployable stent system comprising a pusher rod and a stent coupled to the pusher rod, the stent assist system comprising a shaft component and a number of stent assist bars coupled to the shaft component, the shaft component being coupled to the pusher rod, the method comprising:

• providing the deployment system within a deployment sheath in a main vessel such that the number of stent assist bars are in a retracted position;
• removing the deployment sheath from the deployment system such that the number of stent assist bars are moved to an expanded position via pivoting;
• and
• guiding the deployment system into the branching vessel over a guidewire such that the stent is then guided into the branching vessel, and such that the number of stent assist bars are configured to abut a wall of the branching vessel, and thereby allow for accurate placement of the stent within the branching vessel.