Multi-section stent
First Claim
1. A stent comprising a first stent section;
- a second stent section;
and a connecting structure that connects the first and second stent sections, the connecting structure allowing the first and second stent sections to move relative to one another upon deployment of the stent within a body lumen, wherein the connecting structure is partially separable following deployment of the stent within the body lumen.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A multi-section stent includes a connecting structure that allows the stent sections to move and flex relative to one another. For deployment and positioning, the connecting structure connects the multiple stent sections and holds the stent sections substantially stationary relative to one another. Following deployment, the connecting structure allows the multiple stent sections to move relative to one another. Movable stent sections enable flexure of the stent upon deployment within a body lumen. This flexing structure allows better conformance of the stent to the shape of the body lumen, and exerts less overall pressure against the lumen wall, reducing the potential for trauma. Upon deployment, the multiple stent sections may be completely detached from one another. Alternatively, the stent sections may remain partially connected in a manner that allows substantial independent movement. The connecting structure can be manufactured to separate upon deployment, for example, by breaking or degrading within the body lumen in which the stent is positioned.
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Citations
38 Claims
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1. A stent comprising a first stent section;
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a second stent section;
and a connecting structure that connects the first and second stent sections, the connecting structure allowing the first and second stent sections to move relative to one another upon deployment of the stent within a body lumen, wherein the connecting structure is partially separable following deployment of the stent within the body lumen. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A stent comprising:
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a first stent section;
a second stent section; and
a connecting structure that connects the first and second stent sections, the connecting structure allowing the first and second stent sections to move relative to one another following deployment of the stent within a body lumen, wherein the connecting structure includes a perforated portion that promotes breakage of the connecting structure, thereby allowing movement of the stent sections relative to one another.
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15. A stent comprising:
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a first stent section;
a second stent section; and
a connecting structure that connects the first and second stent sections, the connecting structure allowing the first and second stent sections to move relative to one another following deployment of the stent within a body lumen, wherein the connecting structure is at least partially separable following deployment of the stent within the body lumen, and wherein the connecting structure includes a material that degrades over time upon deployment of the stent within the body lumen to promote the at least partial separation, the connecting structure at least partially disconnecting the first and second stent sections upon degradation of the material. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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19. A stent comprising:
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a first stent section;
a second stent section; and
a connecting structure that connects the first and second stent sections, the connecting structure allowing the first and second stent sections to move relative to one another following deployment of the stent within a body lumen, wherein the connecting structure is at least partially separable following deployment of the stent within the body lumen, and wherein the first and second stent sections and the connecting structure form a substantially continuous stent body, and the stent body includes a breakable portion disposed between the first and second stent sections, the breakable portion being constructed to break under intraluminal forces to promote the separation, thereby at least partially disconnecting the first and second stent sections from the stent body, and wherein the breakable portion of the stent body includes a scribed portion.
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20. A stent comprising:
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a first stent section;
a second stent section; and
a connecting structure that connects the first and second stent sections, the connecting structure allowing the first and second stent sections to move relative to one another following deployment of the stent within a body lumen, wherein the connecting structure is at least partially separable following deployment of the stent within the body lumen, and wherein the first and second stent sections and the connecting structure form a substantially continuous stent body, and the stent body includes a breakable portion disposed between the first and second stent sections, the breakable portion being constructed to break under intraluminal forces to promote the separation, thereby at least partially disconnecting the first and second stent sections from the stent body, and wherein the breakable portion of the stent body includes a machined portion.
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21. A stent comprising:
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a first stent section;
a second stent section; and
a connecting structure that connects the first and second stent sections, the connecting structure allowing the first and second stent sections to move relative to one another following deployment of the stent within a body lumen, wherein the connecting structure is at least partially separable following deployment of the stent within the body lumen, and wherein the first and second stent sections and the connecting structure form a substantially continuous stent body, and the stent body includes a breakable portion disposed between the first and second stent sections, the breakable portion being constructed to break under intraluminal forces to promote the separation, thereby at least partially disconnecting the first and second stent sections from the stent body, and wherein the breakable portion of the stent body includes an etched portion.
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22. A stent comprising:
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a first stent section;
a second stent section; and
a connecting structure that connects the first and second stent sections, the connecting structure allowing the first and second stent sections to move relative to one another following deployment of the stent within a body lumen, wherein the connecting structure is at least partially separable following deployment of the stent within the body lumen, and wherein the first and second stent sections and the connecting structure form a substantially continuous stent body, and the stent body includes a breakable portion disposed between the first and second stent sections, the breakable portion being constructed to break under intraluminal forces to promote the separation, thereby at least partially disconnecting the first and second stent sections from the stent body and wherein the breakable portion includes a molded groove forming a thinned portion of the stent body.
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23. A stent comprising:
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a plurality of stent sections; and
a connecting structure that connects the stent sections, the connecting structure being at least partially degradable following deployment of the stent within the body lumen to thereby disconnect the stent sections from one another. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A stent comprising:
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a first stent section;
a second stent section; and
a connecting structure that connects the first and second stent sections, the connecting structure having a breakable portion configured to break in response to force applied by a deployment device during deployment of the stent, thereby disconnecting the first and second stent sections from one another. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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Specification