Expandable stent using sliding members
First Claim
1. A radially expandable stent for implantation within a body lumen comprising:
- a plurality of elongated stent components, wherein the stent components are arranged longitudinally and substantially parallel to each other;
a plurality of circumferential members substantially perpendicularly affixed to the stent components; and
a plurality of paired slots positioned along the stent components, the paired slots being parallel relative to the elongated stent components, and wherein the circumferential members of one component are slidably received into the paired slots of an adjacent component forming a weave-like interlocking configuration, and wherein the radially expandable stent has a generally cylindrical body with open proximal and distal ends;
the stent being radially expandable to engage the lumen walls by sliding the circumferential members through the paired slots to separate the components from each other diametrically.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a lumen support device, or a stent, used to open or expand a body lumen. The stent incorporates elongated parallel stent components with circumferential members, fingers, which weave into paired slots of an adjacent stent component. This weave-like interlocking configuration enables the stent to expand radially without yielding or plastically deforming the material of which the stent is fabricated. The weave-like mechanism allows for uniform, smooth expansion without change in longitudinal dimensions of the complete assembly. Once assembled, the plurality of parallel elongated stent components form a cylindrical configuration. The invention provides a stent able to support body lumens and adapt to curves or irregularities in body lumens without losing its formation or its longitudinal dimensions. It is designed to permit flexing both radially and longitudinally to conform to the curved body of the applicable lumen. The device is delivered using a percutaneous transluminal catheter device which may incorporate an inflatable balloon, self-expanding material or both to expand the stent.
239 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A radially expandable stent for implantation within a body lumen comprising:
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a plurality of elongated stent components, wherein the stent components are arranged longitudinally and substantially parallel to each other; a plurality of circumferential members substantially perpendicularly affixed to the stent components; and a plurality of paired slots positioned along the stent components, the paired slots being parallel relative to the elongated stent components, and wherein the circumferential members of one component are slidably received into the paired slots of an adjacent component forming a weave-like interlocking configuration, and wherein the radially expandable stent has a generally cylindrical body with open proximal and distal ends;
the stent being radially expandable to engage the lumen walls by sliding the circumferential members through the paired slots to separate the components from each other diametrically. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification