REPOSITIONABLE ENDOLUMINAL SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATIONS
First Claim
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1. A method of fabricating a support apparatus implantable within a biological lumen, comprising:
- interlinking a plurality of elongated strut members with a plurality of swivel joints, such that the swivel joints cooperate with the strut members to adjustably define a shaped structure between a compressed orientation and an expanded orientation.
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Abstract
An endoluminal support structure includes strut members interconnected by swivel joints to form a series of linked scissor mechanisms. The structure can be remotely actuated to compress or expand its shape by adjusting the scissor joints within a range of motion. In particular, the support structure can be repositioned within the body lumen or retrieved from the lumen. The support structure can be employed to introduce and support a prosthetic valve within a body lumen.
60 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of fabricating a support apparatus implantable within a biological lumen, comprising:
interlinking a plurality of elongated strut members with a plurality of swivel joints, such that the swivel joints cooperate with the strut members to adjustably define a shaped structure between a compressed orientation and an expanded orientation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of fabricating a medical stent implantable within a biological lumen, comprising:
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fabricating a plurality of elongated strut members, including a first strut member and a second strut member; and connecting a swivel joint with the first strut member and the second strut member. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of fabricating a prosthetic valve assembly implantable within a biological lumen, comprising:
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fabricating a support structure comprising a plurality of elongated strut members interlinked by a plurality of swivel joints, wherein the swivel joints cooperate with the strut members to adjustably define a shaped structure between a compressed orientation and an expanded orientation; and coupling a prosthetic valve to the support structure. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of fabricating a prosthetic valve assembly implantable within a biological lumen, comprising:
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fabricating a medical stent comprising; a plurality of elongated strut members, including a first strut member and a second strut member; and a swivel joint connecting the first strut member and the second strut member; and connecting a prosthetic valve to the medical stent. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification