Helical stent with micro-latches
US7255710B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 6, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 14, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2/90
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A stent constructed using elements containing micro-mechanical latching mechanisms is disclosed. The micro-mechanical latching elements allow sliding motion between two surfaces in one direction, and restrict sliding motion in the opposite direction. The micro-mechanical latch surface features are formed using microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS) manufacturing methods. The male surface of the latching components contains an array of ridges or protrusions, and the receiving surface contains a matching array of recesses. The array of ridges or protrusions and the corresponding recesses have uniformly dissimilar slopes that result in a substantially greater frictional force in one direction than in the opposite direction. The separation distance between the two surfaces is such that the male latch surface is engaged with the receiving surface recesses in the low stress “locked” state, preventing motion in the undesired direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.