Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
54 words
A stent suitable for use with a biliary, urinary or vascular system, the stent being made of a shape memory alloy having an Austenite finished temperature (Af) ranging from 41°C to 43°C, the stent having a first configuration at a temperature below the Af and a second expanded configuration at or above the Af.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
71 words
A stent according to Claim 1 which comprises, in a first configuration, a distal cylindrical portion (2), a proximal cylindrical portion (1) and an interspace (3) therebetween and which is capable of adopting a second configuration in which the proximal portion (1) is flared away from the distal portion (2), the width of the proximal portion (1) is increased and the interspace (3) is reduced as compared with the first configuration.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A stent according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the proximal portion (1) and the distal portion (2) are coiled.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A stent according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the proximal portion (1) and the distal portion (2) are made of mesh.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A stent according to any preceding claim, wherein in a first configuration the cylindrical portions (1, 2) of the stent are of ellipsoidal or circular cross section.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A stent according to any preceding claim, wherein in a first configuration the length of the distal portion (2) is longer than that of the proximal portion (1).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A stent according to any preceding claim, wherein in a first configuration the two portions (1, 2) are connected by a straight wire portion (4).
Claim 8
Independent Claim
61 words
A method of locating a stent as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in a desired position in a biliary, urinary or vascular system, which method comprises inserting the stent in a first configuration into a system and subsequently raising the temperature of the stent to or above its Af so that the stent assumes a second expanded configuration.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method according to Claim 8 in which the temperature of the stent is raised by contacting the stent with fluid having a temperature at or above the Af.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
79 words
A method according to Claim 9 which includes mounting a stent, which has in a first configuration a distal cylindrical portion, a proximal cylindrical portion and an interspace therebetween, on an inflatable catheter, inserting the catheter and stent into the system, inflating the catheter at least at or near the interspace of the stent so that the inflated catheter facilitates accurate positioning of the stent, and raising the temperature of the stent so that it assumes its second configuration.