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Variable expansion frame system for deploying medical devices and methods of use

  • US 7,608,087 B1
  • Filed: 11/12/2002
  • Issued: 10/27/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/03/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for deploying a medical device within a body, comprising the steps of:

  • introducing a cannula into a blood vessel;

    inserting an expansion frame system through a first lumen of the cannula into the blood vessel, the expansion frame system comprising an outer wire having a second lumen and a longitudinal axis, an inner wire disposed axially through the second lumen, and a frame fixedly attached at a first circumferential point on the frame to a distal end of the outer wire, and fixedly attached at a second circumferential point on the frame to a distal end of the inner wire, wherein the outer wire and inner wire extend, starting from the first and second circumferential points respectively, in a generally proximal direction, wherein the first circumferential point is circumferentially displaced from the second circumferential point, and wherein the outer wire is axially displaceable relative to the inner wire; and

    displacing a proximal end of the outer wire axially relative to a proximal end of the inner wire to rotate the frame as a whole about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to expand the frame diametrically so as to circumferentially engage the endolumenal surface of the blood vessel; and

    wherein the outer wire and inner wire are attached at their distal-most tips to the first and second circumferential points, respectively, and the inner wire has a stiffness sufficient to avoid buckling while rotating the frame.

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