Stent having at least one connecting member configured to controllably sever in vivo
First Claim
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1. An expandable medical device for treating an endolumenal passageway, comprising:
- a first circumferential support structure having one or more closed cells;
a second circumferential support structure having one or more closed cells, the second circumferential support structure being proximal of the first circumferential support structure; and
an interconnect having a proximal end passing through one or more closed cells of the second circumferential support structure, a distal end passing through one or more closed cells of the first circumferential support structure, and an elongate portion extending between the proximal and distal ends,the interconnect having a first state providing a continuous material between the proximal and distal ends of the interconnect thereby engaging the first and second circumferential support structures,the interconnect having a second state in which a gap is provided therealong thereby disengaging the first and second circumferential support structures;
wherein the interconnect enters the second state when the expandable device experiences a predetermined axial force or foreshortening.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A stent may include a connector having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion positioned between the first and second portions. The connector may be configured to interconnect axially adjacent stent segments. The connector may be further configured such that the third portion severs in response to a threshold amount of axial force, axial foreshortening, and/or cyclic loading or fatigue, in order to predispose the severance of one or more pre-configured connectors in a controlled manner to minimize any potential harm to the surrounding vasculature of a patient.
17 Citations
17 Claims
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1. An expandable medical device for treating an endolumenal passageway, comprising:
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a first circumferential support structure having one or more closed cells; a second circumferential support structure having one or more closed cells, the second circumferential support structure being proximal of the first circumferential support structure; and an interconnect having a proximal end passing through one or more closed cells of the second circumferential support structure, a distal end passing through one or more closed cells of the first circumferential support structure, and an elongate portion extending between the proximal and distal ends, the interconnect having a first state providing a continuous material between the proximal and distal ends of the interconnect thereby engaging the first and second circumferential support structures, the interconnect having a second state in which a gap is provided therealong thereby disengaging the first and second circumferential support structures; wherein the interconnect enters the second state when the expandable device experiences a predetermined axial force or foreshortening. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An expandable medical device for treating an endolumenal passageway that is subject to axial foreshortening, comprising:
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a first circumferential support structure; a second circumferential support structure, the second circumferential support structure being proximal of the first circumferential support structure; and a moveable interconnect having a first portion connected to the first circumferential support structure and a second portion connected to the second circumferential support structure, the first and second portions of the moveable interconnect configured to be slidably coupled to one another, wherein the first portion includes a continuous piece of material that defines a longitudinal opening within the continuous piece of material and having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the second portion of the moveable interconnect comprises a tab positioned at a distal portion of the second portion, wherein the first portion is defined by a tubular shape having the longitudinal opening. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification