Endoluminal graft with integral structural support and method for making same
US6053943A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 28, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 28, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/753
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A structurally supported graft (10) having a support structure (26) with strain relief sections (30) contained with an internal surface, an external surface, or a wall thickness of a tubular graft member (12). The structurally supported graft (10) may include a beading element (24) which is co-extruded with the support structure (26) having strain relief sections (30) and spiraled about the tubular graft (10). The support structure (26) includes differing types of strain relief sections (30) which are capable of allowing for the longitudinal and radial expansion of the structurally supported graft (10), respectively. The strain relief sections (30) may also include unconnected ends which form outwardly protruding barbs (62) upon expansion of the structurally supported graft within a blood vessel or body lumen. The method for making the structurally supported graft includes selecting or preparing a support structure with strain relief sections, co-extruding the structural support with a beading element, forming a spiral about the tubular graft with the co-extruded structure, and securing the co-extruded structure to the tubular graft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.