Stentless support structure
First Claim
1. A stentless support structure comprising:
- at least one strand braided to form a tubular structure having a first configuration and a second configuration;
whereby in the first configuration, the tubular structure includes;
a first end and a second end;
an elongate body between the first end and the second end and having a distal portion near the first end, and a proximal portion near the second end, the distal portion separated from the proximal portion by a preformed fold that is unfolded in the first configuration;
whereby in the second configuration, the preformed fold becomes folded and causes the proximal portion to invert into a lumen of the distal portion, thereby creating a section of the body having more than one ply;
whereby the first configuration is maintained when the support structure is constrained within a catheter and the support structure tends to assume the second configuration when unconstrained.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A stentless support structure capable of being at least partly assembled in situ. The support structure comprises a braided tube that is very flexible and, when elongated, becomes very long and very small in diameter, thereby being capable of placement within a small diameter catheter. The support structure is preferably constructed of one or more thin strands of a super-elastic or shape memory material such as Nitinol. When released from the catheter, the support structure folds itself into a longitudinally compact configuration. The support structure thus gains significant strength as the number of folds increase. This radial strength obviates the need for a support stent. The support structure may include attachment points for a prosthetic valve.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A stentless support structure comprising:
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at least one strand braided to form a tubular structure having a first configuration and a second configuration; whereby in the first configuration, the tubular structure includes; a first end and a second end; an elongate body between the first end and the second end and having a distal portion near the first end, and a proximal portion near the second end, the distal portion separated from the proximal portion by a preformed fold that is unfolded in the first configuration; whereby in the second configuration, the preformed fold becomes folded and causes the proximal portion to invert into a lumen of the distal portion, thereby creating a section of the body having more than one ply; whereby the first configuration is maintained when the support structure is constrained within a catheter and the support structure tends to assume the second configuration when unconstrained. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification