Stent with enhanced bendability and flexibility
US6605110B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 29, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2230/0054
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention is directed to an expandable self-expanding stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as an artery. The stent is made with a plurality of cylindrical elements which are interconnected by a plurality of interconnecting members which connect adjacent cylindrical elements, some of the interconnecting members have one or more bending points formed therein for promoting the bendability of the interconnecting member. The bending point can be formed by reducing the strut wall thickness of the interconnecting member to promote the bending of the strut or it can be formed by reducing the strut width of the interconnecting member, or a combination of both. The bending points on the interconnecting member enhances the bendability and flexibility of the composite stent device by creating mechanical hinges which help to bend the stent as it is delivered through the tortuous anatomy of the patient or conforms to a curved portion of a body vessel, where the stent may be implanted.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.