Radially expandable vessel support
First Claim
1. A radially expandable intraluminal vascular support comprises a plurality of coupled flexible zigzag formed annular elements formed by straight bars of equal length and connected by arch portions therebetween, the zigzag annular elements being ordered vertically along a longitudinal axis, the zigzag formed annular elements define a proximal end and a distal end of the intraluminal vascular support,wherein in a non-expanded state each zigzag annular element is coupled to at least one other annular element through at least one opposing pair of bending elements, each of the bending elements being formed from a bow shaped connector bar connected between arch portions of adjacent zigzag annular elements, wherein portions of said adjacent zigzag annular elements and said bow shaped bars connected therebetween are arranged to form corresponding star shaped segments, whereinsaid at least one bending element, constructed from the bow shaped connector bars are ordered between the laterally following zigzag annular elements in a sloping, sequential spiral pattern so that the bow shaped connector bars give rise to a double helix structure over the length of the intraluminal vascular support.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention relates to a radially expandable vessel support which comprises a multitude of zigzag shaped annular elements interconnected in a flexible way by bending elements. Said annular elements define a vessel support with a proximal and a distal end and a longitudinal axis, where the zigzag shaped annular elements are arranged side by side across the longitudinal axis of the vessel support, where zigzag shaped annular elements are linked to at least one further annular element by means of at least one bending element which is comprised either of a pair of S-shaped bars or of a pair of bow shaped bars which are located diametrically on the circumference and whose apertures show into opposite directions.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A radially expandable intraluminal vascular support comprises a plurality of coupled flexible zigzag formed annular elements formed by straight bars of equal length and connected by arch portions therebetween, the zigzag annular elements being ordered vertically along a longitudinal axis, the zigzag formed annular elements define a proximal end and a distal end of the intraluminal vascular support,
wherein in a non-expanded state each zigzag annular element is coupled to at least one other annular element through at least one opposing pair of bending elements, each of the bending elements being formed from a bow shaped connector bar connected between arch portions of adjacent zigzag annular elements, wherein portions of said adjacent zigzag annular elements and said bow shaped bars connected therebetween are arranged to form corresponding star shaped segments, wherein said at least one bending element, constructed from the bow shaped connector bars are ordered between the laterally following zigzag annular elements in a sloping, sequential spiral pattern so that the bow shaped connector bars give rise to a double helix structure over the length of the intraluminal vascular support.
Specification