Intralumenally-implantable frames
First Claim
1. An implantable frame defining a lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal end along a longitudinal axis, the implantable frame having a substantially cylindrical exterior surface area with a plurality of openings, the implantable frame moveable between a compressed state and an expanded state, the implantable frame comprising:
- a plurality of longitudinally-spaced hoop members comprising a first hoop member and a second hoop member axially adjacent to the first hoop member; and
a plurality of (n) longitudinal connecting members joining the first hoop member to the second hoop member, the plurality of (n) longitudinal connecting members comprising a first longitudinal connecting member closely-spaced with respect to a second longitudinal connecting member such that an angle less than (2π
/n) radians is subtended by a hypothetical arc extending circumferentially along the exterior surface area of the implantable frame between a first radius extending from the longitudinal axis to the first longitudinal connecting member and a second radius extending from the longitudinal axis to the second longitudinal connecting member, where (n) is an integer equal to 2 or greater.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Implantable frames for use in body passages are provided herein. The implantable frames can include a plurality of hoop members joined by a plurality of longitudinal connecting members to form a tubular frame defining a cylindrical lumen. The plurality of longitudinal connecting members may include one or more pairs of closely-spaced longitudinal connecting members aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the implantable frame. The circumferential distance between the closely-spaced longitudinal connecting members preferably subtends an angle less than (2π/n) radians, where (n) is an integer equal to the total number of longitudinal connecting members connecting two longitudinally adjacent hoop members.
302 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An implantable frame defining a lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal end along a longitudinal axis, the implantable frame having a substantially cylindrical exterior surface area with a plurality of openings, the implantable frame moveable between a compressed state and an expanded state, the implantable frame comprising:
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a plurality of longitudinally-spaced hoop members comprising a first hoop member and a second hoop member axially adjacent to the first hoop member; and
a plurality of (n) longitudinal connecting members joining the first hoop member to the second hoop member, the plurality of (n) longitudinal connecting members comprising a first longitudinal connecting member closely-spaced with respect to a second longitudinal connecting member such that an angle less than (2π
/n) radians is subtended by a hypothetical arc extending circumferentially along the exterior surface area of the implantable frame between a first radius extending from the longitudinal axis to the first longitudinal connecting member and a second radius extending from the longitudinal axis to the second longitudinal connecting member, where (n) is an integer equal to 2 or greater. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. An implantable frame defining a lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal end along a longitudinal axis, the implantable frame having a substantially cylindrical exterior surface area with a plurality of openings, the implantable frame moveable between a compressed state and an expanded state, the implantable frame comprising:
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a first undulating hoop member and a second undulating hoop member axially adjacent to the first undulating hoop member; and
a plurality of (n) longitudinal connecting members joining the first undulating hoop member to the second undulating hoop member, the plurality of (n) longitudinal connecting members comprising a first longitudinal connecting member closely-spaced with respect to a second longitudinal connecting member such that an angle less than (2π
/n) radians is subtended by a hypothetical arc extending circumferentially along the exterior surface area of the implantable frame between a first radius extending from the longitudinal axis to the first longitudinal connecting member and a second radius extending from the longitudinal axis to the second longitudinal connecting member, where (n) is an integer equal to 4-12.
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20. A method of implanting a medical device within a body vessel comprising the steps of:
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a. providing an implantable frame in a radially compressed configuration, the implantable frame defining a cylindrical lumen centered around a longitudinal axis, the implantable frame comprising a first hoop member joined to a second hoop member longitudinally adjacent to the first hoop member by a plurality of (n) longitudinal connecting members, the plurality of longitudinal connecting members oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and comprising a first longitudinal connecting member closely spaced with respect to a second longitudinal connecting member, such that an angle less than (2π
/n) radians is subtended by a hypothetical arc extending circumferentially along the exterior surface area of the implantable frame between a first radius extending from the longitudinal axis to the first longitudinal connecting member and a second radius extending from the longitudinal axis to the second longitudinal connecting member, where (n) is an integer equal to 2 or greater;
b. placing the radially compressed implantable frame within a vein; and
c. expanding the implantable frame within the vein to place the implantable frame at a point of treatment within the vein.
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Specification