Stent having a multiplicity of undulating longitudinals
First Claim
1. A generally cylindrical, balloon-expandable stent for delivery to a desired location in a curved coronary artery on a stent delivery balloon catheter, said stent having a first pre-deployment linear configuration and diameter and a second deployed diameter, wherein the stent is deformed beyond its elastic limit, said stent having a circumference, and a longitudinal axis, said stent having sufficient flexibility to permit intraluminal delivery to the curved coronary artery;
- said stent in its first diameter comprising;
at least two longitudinally spaced apart circumferential rings having closed ends, each of said circumferential rings defining a portion of the circumference of the stent, each of said circumferential rings having at least two peak segments and at least two valley segments; and
at least one longitudinally extending connector having a first end portion and a second end portion, said first end portion being fixedly connected to a first of said circumferential rings and said second end portion being fixedly connected to one of said circumferential rings adjacent to said first circumferential ring, said at least one connector having at least one circumferentially and longitudinally arcuate central portion between its first and second end portions so that the at least one connector can expand or contract in length as measured by the straight line distance between its first and second end portions, while being passed through the curved coronary artery.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method for implanting a balloon expandable stent at a site within a passageway of a curved coronary article. The stent includes at least two longitudinally spaced apart circumferential rings. At least one longitudinally extending connector extends between adjacent rings. The connector has at least one turn back portion that can expand or contract in length while being passed through a curved passageway. The stent is disposed on a stent delivery catheter having an inflatable balloon. The stent delivery catheter and the stent is delivered through the passageway to the site of implementation with the connector member expanding or contracting in length to facilitate delivery and placement of the stent. The stent is expanded at the site of implantation by inflating the balloon to force the stent radially outward against the wall of the coronary artery.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A generally cylindrical, balloon-expandable stent for delivery to a desired location in a curved coronary artery on a stent delivery balloon catheter, said stent having a first pre-deployment linear configuration and diameter and a second deployed diameter, wherein the stent is deformed beyond its elastic limit, said stent having a circumference, and a longitudinal axis, said stent having sufficient flexibility to permit intraluminal delivery to the curved coronary artery;
- said stent in its first diameter comprising;
at least two longitudinally spaced apart circumferential rings having closed ends, each of said circumferential rings defining a portion of the circumference of the stent, each of said circumferential rings having at least two peak segments and at least two valley segments; and
at least one longitudinally extending connector having a first end portion and a second end portion, said first end portion being fixedly connected to a first of said circumferential rings and said second end portion being fixedly connected to one of said circumferential rings adjacent to said first circumferential ring, said at least one connector having at least one circumferentially and longitudinally arcuate central portion between its first and second end portions so that the at least one connector can expand or contract in length as measured by the straight line distance between its first and second end portions, while being passed through the curved coronary artery. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
- said stent in its first diameter comprising;
Specification