Partial encapsulation of stents
US6398803B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 2, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 2, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/109
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Partially encapsulated stents are made using gaps cut into ePTFE covering material. Ring stents are placed over an inner ePTFE tube (e.g., supported on a mandrel) and are covered by a “lacey” graft sleeve, which is constructed by cutting apertures into an ePTFE tube so that a series of circumferential and longitudinal strips is created. This “lacey” sleeve is then laminated to the inner ePTFE tube to capture the stents. By selecting the size and position of the apertures in the ePTFE covering, it is possible to leave critical parts of the stent unencapsulated to facilitate flexibility and expansion. Alternatively, the gaps can consist of slits cut into the ePTFE covering material. These slits can be cut in any direction including longitudinally, radially, or diagonally. In addition, the slits can be spaced at varying intervals around the covering material to maximize flexibility and expandability. Although a single stent can be used, these approaches lend themselves to use of a plurality of individual ring stents spaced apart along the inner ePTFE tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.