Stent with variable features to optimize support and method of making such stent
First Claim
1. An expandable stent, comprising:
- a) a plurality of interconnected flexible cells defining a stent having a proximal end, a central section and a distal end and a longitudinal axis, the cells arranged in a plurality of interconnected flexible rows disposed along the longitudinal axis of the stent with at least one distal row disposed at the distal end of the stent and at least one proximal row disposed at the proximal end of the stent, each of the flexible cells including a first member, a second member, a third member and, a fourth member;
b) a first C-shaped loop disposed between the first member and the third member;
c) a second C-shaped loop disposed between the second member and the fourth member;
d) adjacent rows of cells connected to each other; and
e) wherein the cells of the at least one row at an end of the stent are provided with first and third members that are shorter than the first and third members in the central section, and wherein the at least one row at an end of the stent is coupled to an adjacent row with flexible connectors that result in a more flexible connection than connections between cells in the rows of the stent in the central area.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An intravascular stent especially suited for implanting in curved arterial portions or ostial regions. The stent can include an end region which is fabricated to have a greater radial strength than the remaining axial length of the stent. Such a stent is particularly suited for use in ostial regions, which require greater support near the end of the stent. The stent alternatively can include sections adjacent the end of the stent with greater bending flexibility than the remaining axial length of the stent. Such a stent is particularly suited for use in curved arteries. The stent can also be constructed with an end that has greater radial strength and sections adjacent the end with greater bending flexibility. Such a stent prevents flaring of the stent end during insertion.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. An expandable stent, comprising:
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a) a plurality of interconnected flexible cells defining a stent having a proximal end, a central section and a distal end and a longitudinal axis, the cells arranged in a plurality of interconnected flexible rows disposed along the longitudinal axis of the stent with at least one distal row disposed at the distal end of the stent and at least one proximal row disposed at the proximal end of the stent, each of the flexible cells including a first member, a second member, a third member and, a fourth member; b) a first C-shaped loop disposed between the first member and the third member; c) a second C-shaped loop disposed between the second member and the fourth member; d) adjacent rows of cells connected to each other; and e) wherein the cells of the at least one row at an end of the stent are provided with first and third members that are shorter than the first and third members in the central section, and wherein the at least one row at an end of the stent is coupled to an adjacent row with flexible connectors that result in a more flexible connection than connections between cells in the rows of the stent in the central area. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A cylindrical stent, having a proximal end, a distal end, a center section and a longitudinal axis, comprising:
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a plurality of interconnected circumferential bands wherein each of the circumferential bands defines a generally serpentine pattern comprising a plurality of strut members and a plurality of loops and adjacent circumferential bands being coupled each to the other by structures extending generally in the longitudinal direction, all forming circumferentially extending rows of cells, said stent having two types of circumferential bands, a first type of circumferential band and a second type of circumferential band, the first type of circumferential band having a strut members shorter in length than the strut members of the second type of circumferential band, wherein at least one of the first type of the circumferential band is coupled to an adjacent second type of circumferential band by structures extending generally in the longitudinal direction which are more flexible than those structures coupling said second type of circumferential band to an adjacent second type of circumferential band. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A cylindrical stent, having a proximal end, a distal end, a center section and a longitudinal axis, comprising:
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a plurality of interconnected circumferential bands wherein each of the circumferential bands defines a generally serpentine pattern comprising a plurality of strut members and a plurality of loops and adjacent circumferential bands being coupled each to the other by structures extending generally in the longitudinal direction forming circumferentially extending rows of cells, said stent having two types of circumferential bands, a first type of circumferential band and a second type of circumferential band, the first type of circumferential band having strut members shorter in length than the strut members of the second type of circumferential band, wherein a first type of circumferential band is coupled to an adjacent second type of circumferential band by structures extending generally in the longitudinal direction which are more flexible than those structures coupling said second type of circumferential band to an adjacent second type of circumferential band. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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Specification