US5827321A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Non-Foreshortening intraluminal prosthesis
Assignee: Endosystems LLC
•
Filing: 1997-02-07
•
Granted: 1998-10-27
•
Expires: 2017-02-07
Abstract
Abstract An intraluminal prosthesis is provided with a plurality of annular elements. Each annular element includes a plurality of struts and apices connected to form an annular configuration. Each annular element has a compressed state and an expanded state, and has a longitudinal dimension which is smaller in the expanded state than in the compressed state. A plurality of connecting members connect the apices of adjacent annular elements. The connecting members have a plurality of alternating segments that function to compensate for the smaller longitudinal dimension of each annular element in the expanded state. The stent may be provided with varying flexibility along its length and/or circumference, and may include segments that have different diameters.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary S. Roubin
- 👤 Geoffrey Hamilton White
- 👤 Sriram S. Iyer
- 👤 Russell J. Redmond
- 👤 Claude A. Vidal
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 23:45
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/82; A61F2/86; A61F2/90; A61F2/91; A61F2/915; A61F2/02; A61F2/04; A61F2/06; A61F2/07; A61F2002/91525; A61F2002/91533; A61F2002/91541; A61F2002/9155; A61F2002/91558; A61F2210/00; A61F2210/0014; A61F2210/0019; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0002; A61F2230/0028; A61F2230/0054; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0014; A61F2250/0029; A61F2250/0039
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 59
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
A stent comprising: a plurality of annular elements, each annular element having a compressed state and an expanded state, wherein each annular element has a longitudinal dimension which is smaller in the radially expanded state than in the compressed state; and connecting members connecting adjacent annular elements; wherein the annular elements and connecting members are made of Nitinol, with each connecting member preset with an elasticity which causes the connecting member to elongate longitudinally when the annular elements are in their expanded state to compensate for the smaller longitudinal dimension of the annular elements in the expanded state.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
98 words
A stent comprising: a plurality of annular elements, each annular element having a compressed state and an expanded state, wherein each annular element has a longitudinal dimension which is smaller in the radially expanded state than in the compressed state; and connecting members connecting adjacent annular elements; wherein the annular elements and connecting members are made of Nitinol, with each connecting member preset with an elasticity which causes the connecting member to elongate longitudinally when the annular elements are in their expanded state to compensate for the smaller longitudinal dimension of the annular elements in the expanded state.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The stent of claim 1, wherein each annular element comprises a plurality of alternating struts and apices connected to each other to form a substantially annular configuration.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The stent of claim 2, wherein the connecting members are connected to the apices of the adjacent annular members.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The stent of claim 2, wherein the plurality of struts comprises left and right struts, with each pair of left and right struts connected to each other at an apex.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The stent of claim 2, wherein each strut has a longitudinal dimensional which is smaller when the annular elements are in the expanded state than in the compressed state.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The stent of claim 2, wherein each strut has a longitudinal dimensional which is larger when the annular elements are in the compressed state than in the expanded state.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The stent of claim 2, wherein at least one of the annular elements is closed such that the plurality of alternating struts and apices are connected to each other to form a closed annular element.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The stent of claim 7, wherein at least one of the annular elements are open such that the plurality of alternating struts and apices are not connected at at least one location.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The stent of claim 1, wherein at least of connecting member has a plurality of alternating segments.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The stent of claim 9, wherein the connecting member has a plurality of alternating curved segments defining alternating top and bottom curved apices.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
55 words
The stent of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of alternating curved segments has an amplitude and a wavelength, and wherein the plurality of alternating curved segments have a smaller amplitude and a greater wavelength when the annular elements are in the expanded state than when the annular elements are in the compressed state.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The stent of claim 9, wherein the at least one connecting member has a plurality of alternating curved and straight segments.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The stent of claim 9, wherein the at least one connecting member has a plurality of alternating and angled straight segments.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
43 words
The stent of claim 1, wherein each connecting member has a larger longitudinal dimension when each annular element is in the expanded state than in the compressed state to compensate for the smaller longitudinal dimension of the annular element in the expanded state.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
43 words
The stent of claim 1, wherein each connecting member has a smaller longitudinal dimension when each annular element is in the compressed state than in the expanded state to compensate for the larger longitudinal dimension of the annular element in the compressed state.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
31 words
The stent of claim 1, wherein the stent has a plurality of segments along its length, each segment assuming a different diameter when the annular elements are in their expanded state.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
The stent of claim 16, wherein the stent has a tapered configuration in which the diameter of the stent gradually changes from one segment to another segment.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
27 words
The stent of claim 16, wherein the stent has a stepped configuration in which the diameter of the stent transitions abruptly from one segment to another segment.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
13 words
The stent of claim 1, further in combination with a biocompatible graft covering.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
The stent of claim 1, wherein the annular elements and connecting members define an alternating longitudinal pattern of annular elements and connecting members.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
109 words
A stent having a first segment and a second segment, with each segment having a diameter and comprising: a plurality of annular elements, each annular element having a compressed state and an expanded state; at least one connecting member connecting adjacent annular elements; a plurality of apertures defined by adjacent annular elements and connecting members, each aperture having a size and a geometric configuration; with the first and second segments having substantially the same diameter in the compressed state; and wherein the apertures of the first and second segments have different sizes but substantially the same geometric configuration when the first and second segments are in the expanded state.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
109 words
A stent having a first segment and a second segment, with each segment having a diameter and comprising: a plurality of annular elements, each annular element having a compressed state and an expanded state; at least one connecting member connecting adjacent annular elements; a plurality of apertures defined by adjacent annular elements and connecting members, each aperture having a size and a geometric configuration; with the first and second segments having substantially the same diameter in the compressed state; and wherein the apertures of the first and second segments have different sizes but substantially the same geometric configuration when the first and second segments are in the expanded state.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
53 words
The stent of claim 21, wherein each annular element comprises a plurality of alternating struts and apices connected to each other to form a substantially annular configuration, and wherein the connecting members are connected to the apices of the adjacent annular members, with the apertures defined by the adjacent struts and connecting members.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
24 words
The stent of claim 21, wherein each segment of the stent assumes a different diameter when the annular elements are in their expanded state.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
27 words
The stent of claim 23, wherein the stent has a tapered configuration in which the diameter of the stent gradually changes from one segment to another segment.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
27 words
The stent of claim 23, wherein the stent has a stepped configuration in which the diameter of the stent transitions abruptly from one segment to another segment.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
18 words
The stent of claim 21, wherein the at least one connecting member has a plurality of alternating segments.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
26 words
The stent of claim 26, wherein the at least one connecting member has a plurality of alternating curved segments defining alternating top and bottom curved apices.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
55 words
The stent of claim 27, wherein each of the plurality of alternating curved segments has an amplitude and a wavelength, and wherein the plurality of alternating curved segments have a smaller amplitude and a greater wavelength when the annular elements are in the expanded state than when the annular elements are in the compressed state.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
21 words
The stent of claim 26, wherein the at least one connecting member has a plurality of alternating curved and straight segments.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
21 words
The stent of claim 26, wherein the at least one connecting member has a plurality of alternating and angled straight segments.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
12 words
The stent of claim 21, wherein the stent is made from Nitinol.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
57 words
The stent of claim 21, wherein each annular element comprises a plurality of alternating struts and apices connected to each other to form a substantially annular configuration, with at least one of the annular elements provided in an open configuration such that the plurality of alternating struts and apices are not connected at at least one location.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
71 words
A stent having a plurality of segments and comprising: a plurality of annular elements, each annular element having a compressed state and an expanded state; a plurality of connecting members connecting adjacent annular elements; and a plurality of gaps formed by omitting at least one of the connecting members between adjacent annular elements so as to provide two of the plurality of segments of the stent with different degrees of flexibility.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
71 words
A stent having a plurality of segments and comprising: a plurality of annular elements, each annular element having a compressed state and an expanded state; a plurality of connecting members connecting adjacent annular elements; and a plurality of gaps formed by omitting at least one of the connecting members between adjacent annular elements so as to provide two of the plurality of segments of the stent with different degrees of flexibility.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
22 words
The stent of claim 33, wherein a plurality of connecting members are omitted, with the omitted connecting members forming a spiral pattern.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
106 words
A stent having a plurality of segments and comprising: a plurality of annular elements, each annular element having a compressed state and an expanded state; a plurality of connecting members connecting adjacent annular elements; and wherein each annular element comprises a plurality of alternating struts and apices connected to each other to form a substantially annular configuration, and wherein the connecting members are connected to the apices of the adjacent annular elements; and wherein a plurality of gaps are formed by omitting at least one of the struts so as to provide two of the plurality of segments of the stent with different degrees of flexibility.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
106 words
A stent having a plurality of segments and comprising: a plurality of annular elements, each annular element having a compressed state and an expanded state; a plurality of connecting members connecting adjacent annular elements; and wherein each annular element comprises a plurality of alternating struts and apices connected to each other to form a substantially annular configuration, and wherein the connecting members are connected to the apices of the adjacent annular elements; and wherein a plurality of gaps are formed by omitting at least one of the struts so as to provide two of the plurality of segments of the stent with different degrees of flexibility.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
26 words
The stent of claim 35, wherein the plurality of gaps is further formed by omitting at least one of the connecting members between adjacent annular elements.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
20 words
The stent of claim 35, wherein a plurality of struts are omitted, with the omitted struts forming a spiral pattern.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
109 words
A stent comprising: a plurality of annular elements, each annular element having a compressed state and an expanded state, and each annular element including a plurality of alternating struts and apices connected to each other to form a substantially annular configuration; and at least one connecting member connecting adjacent annular elements; wherein at least one of the annular elements is closed such that the plurality of alternating struts and apices are connected to each other to form a closed annular element, and wherein at least one of the annular elements are open such that the plurality of alternating struts and apices are not connected at at least one location.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
109 words
A stent comprising: a plurality of annular elements, each annular element having a compressed state and an expanded state, and each annular element including a plurality of alternating struts and apices connected to each other to form a substantially annular configuration; and at least one connecting member connecting adjacent annular elements; wherein at least one of the annular elements is closed such that the plurality of alternating struts and apices are connected to each other to form a closed annular element, and wherein at least one of the annular elements are open such that the plurality of alternating struts and apices are not connected at at least one location.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
22 words
The stent of claim 38, wherein the at least one connecting member is connected to the apices of the adjacent annular members.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
30 words
The stent of claim 38, wherein the plurality of struts comprises left and right struts, with each pair of left and right struts connected to each other at an apex.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
29 words
The stent of claim 38, wherein each strut has a longitudinal dimensional which is smaller when the annular elements are in the expanded state than in the compressed state.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
29 words
The stent of claim 38, wherein each strut has a longitudinal dimensional which is larger when the annular elements are in the compressed state than in the expanded state.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
18 words
The stent of claim 38, wherein the at least one connecting member has a plurality of alternating segments.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
26 words
The stent of claim 43, wherein the at least one connecting member has a plurality of alternating curved segments defining alternating top and bottom curved apices.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
39 words
The stent of claim 44, wherein the plurality of alternating curved segments have a higher amplitude and a smaller wavelength when the annular elements are in the expanded state than when the annular elements are in the compressed state.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
21 words
The stent of claim 43, wherein the at least one connecting member has a plurality of alternating curved and straight segments.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
21 words
The stent of claim 43, wherein the at least one connecting member has a plurality of alternating and angled straight segments.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
49 words
The stent of claim 38, wherein the at least one connecting member is preset with an elasticity which causes the connecting member to elongate longitudinally when the annular elements are in their expanded state to compensate for the smaller longitudinal dimension of the annular elements in the expanded state.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
12 words
The stent of claim 48, wherein the stent is made from Nitinol.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
27 words
The stent of claim 38, wherein the annular elements and the at least one connecting member define an alternating longitudinal pattern of annular elements and connecting members.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
31 words
The stent of claim 38, wherein the stent has a plurality of segments along its length, each segment assuming a different diameter when the annular elements are in their expanded state.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
27 words
The stent of claim 51, wherein the stent has a tapered configuration in which the diameter of the stent gradually changes from one segment to another segment.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
27 words
The stent of claim 51, wherein the stent has a stepped configuration in which the diameter of the stent transitions abruptly from one segment to another segment.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
13 words
The stent of claim 38, further in combination with a biocompatible graft covering.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-10-26 | 2002-04-27 | 2002-10-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-10-26 | 2006-04-27 | 2006-10-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-10-26 | 2010-04-27 | 2010-10-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |