Stentless support structure
US8974523B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 30, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 10, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 9, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2250/0039
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A stentless support structure capable of being at least partly assembled in situ. The support structure comprises a braided tube that is very flexible and, when elongated, becomes very long and very small in diameter, thereby being capable of placement within a small diameter catheter. The support structure is preferably constructed of one or more thin strands of a super-elastic or shape memory material such as Nitinol. When released from the catheter, the support structure folds itself into a longitudinally compact configuration. The support structure thus gains significant strength as the number of folds increase. This radial strength obviates the need for a support stent. The support structure may include attachment points for a prosthetic valve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.