Expandable intraluminal stents
US6248128A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 26, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 19, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 26, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2250/0018
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An expandable, intraluminal stent is provided which can be inserted into a body passage, and is capable of supporting an intact vascular graft. The stent is a thin-walled, generally tubular member having a plurality of rigid support tabs spaced uniformly around the perimeter of the two ends of the stent. A plurality of spacer bars span longitudinally between the rigid support tabs at one end of the stent and corresponding rigid support tabs at the other end. The spacer bars serve as struts to prevent longitudinal expansion or contraction of the stent so that the length of the stent is maintained. Plastically deformable connecting links interconnect adjacent rigid support tabs around each end of the stent to enable the stent to be expanded to an enlarged diameter. The stent can be expanded with a delivery system which applies a radially, outwardly extending force from the exterior of the stent. Alternatively, the stent can be expanded using an angioplasty balloon.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.