Abstract A self-expanding stent assembly consisting of one or more Z-stents connected to one another and covered by a flexible sleeve, which can be made from either nylon, plastic or another suitable material. The stents are formed of stainless steel wire arranged in a closed zig-zag configuration which includes an endless series of struts that are joined by an equal number of joints. The stent assembly is compressible into a reduced diameter size for insertion into, and possible removal from, a body passageway. After being properly positioned within a body passageway, the stent assembly is allowed to expand to its larger diameter shape, wherein the sleeve is pressed against the walls of the passageway by the stents. One application of the invention includes dilating a biliary duct which has been occluded by a tumorous growth. The advantage being that the sleeve prevents the tumor from growing between the gaps created by the stent which would otherwise restenose the passageway. Another intended application is to repair aneurysms. In this configuration, the stents are postioned on either side of an aneurysm, and the sleeve forms and artificial arterial wall which spans the aneurysm.
A stent assembly comprising: a resiliently compressible stent capable of being radially compressed into a smaller first shape but resiliently radially expanding into a larger second shape when allowed to expand, said stent having a plurality of interconnected struts which define a series of gaps therebetween when said stent is in said larger second shape; means, including a flexible sleeve formed from a plastic material, for inhibiting restenosis due to tissue growth into said gaps, said flexible sleeve having an inner surface, an outer surface and being open at both ends; and wherein said stent is embedded in said plastic material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
101 words
A stent assembly comprising: a resiliently compressible stent capable of being radially compressed into a smaller first shape but resiliently radially expanding into a larger second shape when allowed to expand, said stent having a plurality of interconnected struts which define a series of gaps therebetween when said stent is in said larger second shape; means, including a flexible sleeve formed from a plastic material, for inhibiting restenosis due to tissue growth into said gaps, said flexible sleeve having an inner surface, an outer surface and being open at both ends; and wherein said stent is embedded in said plastic material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The stent assembly of claim 1, wherein said gaps defined by said stent are substantially covered by said flexible sleeve.