Partial encapsulation of stents using strips and bands
First Claim
1. A vascular graft, comprising:
- an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene tube including a first section and a second section, wherein the first and second sections share a common surface, the second section comprising a plurality of strips extending from the first section, being integral therewith; and
a support layer comprising a plurality of ringed stents placed around said first section, wherein said strips are folded back and are alternatingly woven over and under each successive ringed stent.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Partially encapsulated stents are made using strips and bands of covering material. In one embodiment ringed stents are placed over an inner ePTFE tube (e.g., supported on a mandrel) and are covered by a series of longitudinal strips. A series of spaced apart ePTFE circumferential bands can then be placed over the top of the longitudinal strips and ringed stents; alternatively bands alone or strips alone may be employed. All of the components of the structure are then laminated to the inner ePTFE tube to capture the stent. By selecting the size and position of the ePTFE bands, it is possible to leave critical parts of the stent unencapsulated to facilitate flexibility and expansion. The longitudinal strips can be woven about the stent and later laminated into position to provide an anti-compression function as well as overall structural stability. Although a single stent can be used, these approaches lend themselves to use of a plurality of individual ring stents spaced apart along the inner ePTFE tube.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A vascular graft, comprising:
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an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene tube including a first section and a second section, wherein the first and second sections share a common surface, the second section comprising a plurality of strips extending from the first section, being integral therewith; and
a support layer comprising a plurality of ringed stents placed around said first section, wherein said strips are folded back and are alternatingly woven over and under each successive ringed stent. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification