Stent having variable properties and method of its use
First Claim
1. A stent having an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration, the latter having a length and a varying diameter along said length, comprising in the expanded configuration:
- a tapered tubular shaped structure, said structure having a radially outward biased force and compression resistance, said force varying along said length in a predetermined manner, said tapered tubular structure having a first end region of largest diameter, a middle region of smaller diameter, and a second end region of smallest diameter, wherein said force is weaker in said first end region, stronger in said middle region than in said first region, and weaker in said second end region than in said middle region.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A stent and method of its use, the stent in its expanded configuration, exhibiting varying outward radial force along its length. In use, the expanded stent is of a tapered configuration which provides greater force in vessel regions requiring greater force and less force in regions requiring less. In particular the stent is useful in the ostium regions and at areas of bifurcation in vessels. Varying force over the length of the stent is achieved by varying the number of elements, the density of elements, the thickness of the elements making up the stent body, and maintaining a substantially metal to artery ratio in the expanded stent over its length.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A stent having an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration, the latter having a length and a varying diameter along said length, comprising in the expanded configuration:
a tapered tubular shaped structure, said structure having a radially outward biased force and compression resistance, said force varying along said length in a predetermined manner, said tapered tubular structure having a first end region of largest diameter, a middle region of smaller diameter, and a second end region of smallest diameter, wherein said force is weaker in said first end region, stronger in said middle region than in said first region, and weaker in said second end region than in said middle region. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of stenting a bifurcation region or ostial region in a blood vessel, comprising the steps of:
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providing an unexpanded stent having predetermined properties over its length in an expanded configuration including outward radial force and compression resistance;
introducing the stent onto a catheter;
inserting the catheter and stent into an implantation region at bifurcation or ostium of a vessel;
expanding the stent to an enlarged diameter of a tapered configuration in support of the vessel wherein the aforementioned properties are exhibited, and removing the catheter leaving the stent implanted in the vessel. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification