Radially expandable stent
US6231598A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 24, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 15, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 24, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2250/0098
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A radially expandable stent (10) made from a cannula or sheet of biocompatible material that includes at least one longitudinal segment (14) comprised of a series of laterally interconnected closed cells (13). Each closed cell of a longitudinal segment is defined laterally by a pair of longitudinal struts (15, 16) that are interconnected at each end by a circumferentially adjustable member (19, 20). When the stent is expanded using a balloon (47), the opposing circumferentially adjustable members deform to allow circumferential expansion of the longitudinal segment, while the length of the segment, as defined by the longitudinal struts, is maintained. Self-expanding versions of the stent utilize a nickel-titanium alloy. Adjacent longitudinal segments are joined by flexible interconnection segments (21) that permit the stent to bend laterally. The flexible interconnection segment is comprised of curvilinear struts (22, 23) that form a series of serpentine bends (81) that distribute lateral bending forces. In a preferred embodiment, a short strut interconnects longitudinal segments and an adjacent interconnection segment. Each interconnection strut attaches to the longitudinal segmen…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.