Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
A device for transluminal extraction or implantation of a substantially tubular, radially expansible stent, comprising a central tube having a periphery and being surrounded by an exterior tube axially displaceable relative to said central tube, and a plurality of axially extending gripping members attached to said central tube at a distal end thereof, each of said gripping members having a distal end, said gripping members being substantially evenly distributed around the periphery of said central tube and adapted for outward expansion of their distal ends when said central tube is displaced relative to said exterior tube said gripping members being arranged in at least two concentric sets, with a first set being radially displaced relative to a second set to substantially cover one or more gaps between adjacent gripping members of said first and second sets when in an expanded position, said sets of gripping members thereby forming a substantially closed distal end periphery when in said expanded position permitting a substantially continuous circumferential engagement about at least a portion of said stent.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
173 words
A device for transluminal extraction or implantation of a substantially tubular, radially expansible stent, comprising a central tube having a periphery and being surrounded by an exterior tube axially displaceable relative to said central tube, and a plurality of axially extending gripping members attached to said central tube at a distal end thereof, each of said gripping members having a distal end, said gripping members being substantially evenly distributed around the periphery of said central tube and adapted for outward expansion of their distal ends when said central tube is displaced relative to said exterior tube said gripping members being arranged in at least two concentric sets, with a first set being radially displaced relative to a second set to substantially cover one or more gaps between adjacent gripping members of said first and second sets when in an expanded position, said sets of gripping members thereby forming a substantially closed distal end periphery when in said expanded position permitting a substantially continuous circumferential engagement about at least a portion of said stent.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein said gripping members are arranged in two concentric sets.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein an inner set of gripping members is integral with said central tube, and is formed by cutting axially extending slits at the distal end of said central tube followed by outward permanent deformation to enable said outward expansion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein an outer set of gripping members comprises a sleeve disposed about the distal end of said central tube, the gripping members of said outer set being formed by cutting axially extending slits at a distal end of said sleeve.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein the distal ends of said gripping members are configured to facilitate location of said gripping members between said stent and a surrounding lumen wall.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein at least two diametrically positioned gripping members are provided with inwardly extending hooks for improving the engagement with said stent.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device according to claim 1 where said device is adapted to accommodate viewing means positionable inside the central tube and axially displaceable therein.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein the concentric sets of said gripping members are made of flexible materials enabling bending of the device under operation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein said gripping members in each set number at least 3.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
53 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein an inner set and an outer set of gripping members comprise two concentric sleeves disposed about the distal end of said central tube, the gripping members of said inner and said outer set being formed by cutting axially extending slits at distal ends of said sleeves.