Patent US6159165A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6159165A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Three dimensional spherical micro-coils manufactured from radiopaque nickel-titanium microstrand
Assignee: DePuy Spine LLC
•
Filing: 1998-02-06
•
Granted: 2000-12-12
•
Expires: 2018-02-06
Abstract
Abstract The three dimensional device is adapted to be inserted into a portion of a vasculature for occluding the portion of the vasculature for use in interventional therapy and vascular surgery. The device is formed from a multi-stranded microcable having a plurality of flexible strands of a shape memory material and at least one radiopaque strand. The flexible strands in a multi-stranded micro-cable of the device can be helically wound, or can be configured as parallel, longitudinal strands, and can also be formed to have a secondary, three dimensional therapeutic configuration, such as helical, conical, spherical, or other geometric shapes. The strands can be made of a shape memory nickel titanium alloy, that is highly flexible at a temperature appropriate for introduction into the body via a catheter, and that after placement will take on the therapeutic shape. The device can also include a therapeutic agent, and can be bundled by an outer cover to constrain the strands of the micro-cable about a longitudinal axis to produce a composite banded cable.
Inventors
- 👤 David A. Ferrera
- 👤 Christopher G. M. Ken
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 08:01
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/12; A61B17/12022; A61B17/12131; A61B17/12168; A61B17/12172; A61B17/12099; A61B17/12109; A61B17/12113; A61B17/1214; A61B17/12145; A61B17/1215; A61B17/12154; A61B17/12163; A61B17/12181; A61B17/1219; A61B2017/00526; A61B2017/00831; A61B2017/00867; A61B2017/00884; A61B2017/00893; A61B2017/1205; A61B2017/12054; A61B2017/12068; A61B2017/12072; A61B90/00; A61B90/39; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/01; A61M25/09; A61M2025/09191
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 167
Claim 1
Independent Claim
75 words
A device for use in interventional therapy and vascular surgery, adapted to be inserted into a portion of a vasculature, comprising: at least one multi-stranded micro-cable having a collapsed primary coil configuration and an expanded secondary configuration with a three dimensional shape, each said multi-stranded micro-cable having a plurality of flexible strands of a shape memory material, and at least one radiopaque strand to provide a radiopaque marker of the deployed configuration of the device.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
75 words
A device for use in interventional therapy and vascular surgery, adapted to be inserted into a portion of a vasculature, comprising: at least one multi-stranded micro-cable having a collapsed primary coil configuration and an expanded secondary configuration with a three dimensional shape, each said multi-stranded micro-cable having a plurality of flexible strands of a shape memory material, and at least one radiopaque strand to provide a radiopaque marker of the deployed configuration of the device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said secondary three dimensional shape is generally spherical.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said secondary three dimensional shape is generally helical.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said secondary three dimensional shape is generally conical.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of strands are helically wound.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of flexible strands are parallel longitudinal strands.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of strands comprises a super-elastic material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of strands are comprised of a super-elastic material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 8, wherein said super-elastic material comprises a nickel titanium alloy.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said shape memory material comprises a nickel-titanium alloy.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
53 words
The device of claim 10, wherein said shape memory nickel-titanium alloy is heat treated such that the alloy is highly flexible at a temperature appropriate for introduction into the body via a catheter, and after placement, the device will take on a shape designed to optimize the therapeutic purposes desired for the device.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said shape memory material comprises a shape memory polymer.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the strands comprises a therapeutic agent.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 13, wherein said strand comprising a therapeutic agent is wound into said micro-cable so that at least a portion of said strand projects beyond the diameter of the other strands in said cable.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 13, wherein said therapeutic agent comprises a metal wire selected from the group consisting of copper and copper alloys.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 13, wherein said therapeutic agent comprises a fiber selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, fluoropolymers, nylons, polyaramid fiber and silk chosen for thrombogenicity.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 13, wherein at least one of the strands is impregnated with said therapeutic agent.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 13, wherein at least one of the strands is coated with said therapeutic agent.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 13, wherein said therapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of human growth hormone, genetic material, antigens and hydrogels.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device of claim 13, wherein said therapeutic agent comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of hydrogel, collagen, and bio-absorbable polymers including lactic acids, glycolic acids, caprolactam and microcellular foams.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 15, wherein said therapeutic agent comprises means to conduct energy.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 21, wherein said means to conduct energy comprises an optical fiber to conduct light energy.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 21, wherein said therapeutic means comprises means to conduct electrical energy.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 23, wherein said means to conduct electrical energy comprises means to conduct radio frequency energy.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 13, wherein said therapeutic agent is disposed axially in a central core.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of strands comprises a plurality of exterior strands surrounding at least one interior strand.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of strands comprises a plurality of exterior strands surrounding a central core.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said radiopaque strand comprises at least one centrally, axially disposed radiopaque wire.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said radiopaque wire is made of platinum.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said radiopaque wire is made of tungsten.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said radiopaque wire is made of gold.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said micro-cable comprises a plurality of radiopaque strands.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said micro-cable comprises four radiopaque strands.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 33, wherein said micro-cable comprises three shape memory material strands.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said micro-cable includes a central core.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 35, wherein said central core of said micro-cable comprises copper.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 35, wherein said central core of said micro-cable comprises a copper alloy.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said radiopaque wire is approximately 0.0005 to 0.0030 inches in diameter.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 38, wherein said strands of the micro-cable are bundled by a plurality of bands disposed at intervals along said micro-cable to produce a composite banded cable.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 39, wherein said composite cable comprises a single inner micro-cable.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 38, further comprising at least one longitudinal element for sensing a parameter.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 41, wherein said longitudinal element for sensing a parameter comprises an optical imaging element.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 41, wherein said longitudinal element for sensing a parameter comprises an optical fiber.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 41, wherein said longitudinal element for sensing a parameter comprises a thermal imaging element.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 41, wherein said longitudinal element for sensing a parameter comprises an ultrasound imaging element.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said strands of the micro-cable are bundled by at least one outer cover to produce a composite banded cable.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 46, wherein said outer cover comprises a sheath to constrain said strands of said micro-cable about a longitudinal axis.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 47, wherein said sheath comprises a containment strand wound about said longitudinal strands.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 48, wherein said sheath is made of low friction material.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 48, wherein said sheath is made of a fluoropolymer.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 48, wherein said strands are laid parallel within the composite banded cable.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 48, wherein said strands are twisted within the composite banded cable.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 48, wherein the width of the outer cover is varied along the composite cable.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 47, wherein said sheath comprises a heat shrinkable plastic tube.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 47, wherein outer covering comprises a plurality of layers formed of different materials in order to provide a graduated bending and stiffness characteristic over the length of the cable.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 46, wherein said outer cover comprises an outer sheath of material to provide bending stiffness and constrain said longitudinal strands about said longitudinal axis.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 56, wherein said sheath comprises a plurality of heat shrink plastic covers placed to provide bending stiffness in said cable which varies with the position on said cable.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 56, wherein said exterior wrapped cover is wound at varying intervals along the outside to provide variations in the torqueability and stiffness of the composite cable.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 46, wherein said outer covering varies in cross section along its length to provide bending stiffness of said composite cable which varies along said composite cable.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 46, wherein the number of strands and the degree to which they extend along said composite cable within the outer covering varies along said composite cable.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 46, wherein said composite micro-cable comprises a plurality of micro-cables disposed within said outer cover in order to provide desired bending and strength characteristics.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 61, wherein said plurality of micro-cables are helically wound within said outer cover.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 61, wherein said plurality of micro-cables extend parallel and longitudinally within said outer cover.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 61, wherein said composite cable has a collapsed primary configuration and an expanded secondary configuration with a secondary shape.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 64, wherein said secondary shape is three dimensional.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
11 words
The device of claim 64, wherein said secondary shape is spherical.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
11 words
The device of claim 64, wherein said secondary shape is helical.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
11 words
The device of claim 64, wherein said secondary shape is conical.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 61, wherein said plurality of micro-cables are banded at intervals by a plurality of bands.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said multi-stranded micro-cable is approximately 0.0021 to 0.0045 inches in diameter.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 70, further comprising at least one longitudinal element for sensing a parameter.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one longitudinal element for sensing a parameter.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
98 words
A composite device for use in interventional therapy and vascular surgery adapted to be inserted into a portion of a vasculature, comprising: at least one multi-stranded micro-cable having a collapsed primary coil configuration and an expanded configuration with a secondary three dimensional shape, each said multi-stranded micro-cable having a plurality of flexible strands of a shape memory material, and at least one radiopaque strand to provide a radiopaque marker of the deployed configuration of a device made of the micro-cable; and at least one outer cover disposed over each said multi-stranded micro-cable to produce a composite banded cable.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
98 words
A composite device for use in interventional therapy and vascular surgery adapted to be inserted into a portion of a vasculature, comprising: at least one multi-stranded micro-cable having a collapsed primary coil configuration and an expanded configuration with a secondary three dimensional shape, each said multi-stranded micro-cable having a plurality of flexible strands of a shape memory material, and at least one radiopaque strand to provide a radiopaque marker of the deployed configuration of a device made of the micro-cable; and at least one outer cover disposed over each said multi-stranded micro-cable to produce a composite banded cable.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
15 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein said secondary three dimensional shape is generally spherical.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
15 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein said secondary three dimensional shape is generally helical.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
15 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein said secondary three dimensional shape is generally conical.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
14 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein said plurality of strands are helically wound.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
16 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein said plurality of flexible strands are parallel longitudinal strands.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
19 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein at least one of said plurality of strands comprises a super-elastic material.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
15 words
The composite device of claim 79, wherein said super-elastic material comprises a nickel titanium alloy.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
19 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein a plurality of said flexible strands are comprised of a super-elastic material.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
15 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein said shape memory material comprises a nickel-titanium alloy.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
54 words
The composite device of claim 82, wherein said shape memory nickel-titanium alloy is heat treated such that the alloy is highly flexible at a temperature appropriate for introduction into the body via a catheter, and after placement, the device will take on a shape designed to optimize the therapeutic purposes desired for the device.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
16 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein said shape memory material comprises a shape memory polymer.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
31 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein at least one of the strands comprises a metal wire selected from the group consisting of copper and copper alloys or other metal alloys.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
34 words
The composite device of claim 73 wherein at least one strand comprises a fiber selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, fluoropolymers, nylons, polyaramid fiber and silk chosen for thrombogenicity.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
29 words
The composite device of claim 86, wherein said fiber is wound into said cable so that said fiber projects beyond the diameter of the other strands in said cable.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
66 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein at least one of the strands comprises a therapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of human growth hormone; genetic material; antigens; hydrogels; a metal wire selected from the group consisting of copper and copper alloys; and a fiber selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, fluoropolymers, nylons, polyaramid fiber and silk chosen for thrombogenicity.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
19 words
The composite device of claim 88, wherein at least one of the strands is impregnated with said therapeutic agent.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
19 words
The composite device of claim 86, wherein at least one of the strands is coated with said therapeutic agent.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
21 words
The composite device of claim 86, wherein said therapeutic agent is disposed axially in a central core of said composite device.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
40 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein at least one of the strands comprises a therapeutic agent including at least one component selected from the group consisting of hydrogel, collagen, and bio-absorbable polymers including lactic acids, glycolic acids and caprolactam.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
12 words
The composite device of claim 73, further comprising means to conduct energy.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
20 words
The composite device of claim 93, wherein said means to conduct energy comprises an optical fiber to conduct light energy.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
18 words
The composite device of claim 93, wherein said means to conduct energy comprises means to conduct electrical energy.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
23 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein said plurality of strands comprises a plurality of exterior strands surrounding at least one interior strand.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
25 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein said plurality of strands comprises a plurality of exterior strands surrounding a central core of said composite device.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
38 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein said radiopaque strand comprises at least one centrally, axially disposed radiopaque wire, and said radiopaque wire is formed from a metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, tungsten, and gold.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
24 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein said outer cover comprises a sheath to constrain said strands of said micro-cable about a longitudinal axis.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
18 words
The composite device of claim 99, wherein said sheath comprises a containment strand wound about said longitudinal strands.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
30 words
The composite device of claim 100, wherein said containment strand is wound at varying intervals along the outside to provide variations in the torqueability and stiffness of the composite cable.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
19 words
The composite device of claim 100, wherein the width of the outer cover is varied along the composite cable.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
33 words
The composite device of claim 99, wherein said sheath comprises a plurality of heat shrink plastic tubes placed to provide bending stiffness in said cable which varies with the position on said cable.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
34 words
The composite device of claim 99, wherein outer cover comprises a plurality of layers formed of different materials in order to provide a graduated bending and stiffness characteristic over the length of the cable.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
52 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein said outer cover comprises an outer sheath of material to provide bending stiffness and constrain said longitudinal strands about said longitudinal axis, said sheath being formed of a low friction material selected from the group consisting of a fluoropolymer and a heat shrinkable plastic tube.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
31 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein said strands of the micro-cable are bundled by a plurality of bands disposed at intervals along said micro-cable to produce a composite banded cable.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
17 words
The composite device of claim 106, wherein said strands are laid parallel within the composite banded cable.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
16 words
The composite device of claim 106, wherein said strands are twisted within the composite banded cable.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
14 words
The composite device of claim 106, wherein composite cable comprises a single inner micro-cable.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
31 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein said outer cover varies in cross section along its length to provide bending stiffness of said composite cable which varies along said composite cable.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
31 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein the number of strands and the degree to which they extend along said composite cable within the outer cover varies along said composite cable.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
18 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein said multi-stranded micro-cable is approximately 0.0021 to 0.0045 inches in diameter.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
29 words
The composite device of claim 73, wherein said composite microcable comprises a plurality of micro-cables disposed within said outer cover in order to provide desired bending and strength characteristics.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
18 words
The composite device of claim 113, wherein said plurality of micro-cables are helically wound within said outer cover.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
19 words
The composite device of claim 113, wherein said plurality of micro-cables extend parallel and longitudinally within said outer cover.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
37 words
The composite device of claim 113, wherein said composite cable has a collapsed primary configuration and an expanded secondary configuration with a secondary three dimensional shape selected from the group consisting of spherical, helical and conical shapes.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
25 words
The composite device of claim 113, wherein said plurality of micro-cables are bundled by at least one outer cover to produce said composite banded cable.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
20 words
The composite device of claim 113, wherein said plurality of micro-cables are banded at intervals by a plurality of bands.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
39 words
The composite device of claim 73, further comprising at least one longitudinal element for sensing a parameter selected from the group consisting of an optical imaging element, an optical fiber, a thermal imaging element, and an ultrasound imaging element.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
122 words
A three dimensional composite device having a collapsed coil configuration with a primary shape and an expanded coil configuration with a secondary three dimensional shape for use in interventional therapy and vascular surgery, the device adapted to be inserted into a portion of a vasculature for occluding the portion of the vasculature, comprising: a plurality of multi-stranded micro-cables having a collapsed coil configuration with a primary shape and an expanded coil configuration with a secondary three dimensional shape, each said multi-stranded micro-cable having a plurality of flexible strands of a shape memory material, and at least one said strand being a radiopaque strand to provide a radiopaque marker of the deployed configuration of a device made of the cable during vascular surgery.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
122 words
A three dimensional composite device having a collapsed coil configuration with a primary shape and an expanded coil configuration with a secondary three dimensional shape for use in interventional therapy and vascular surgery, the device adapted to be inserted into a portion of a vasculature for occluding the portion of the vasculature, comprising: a plurality of multi-stranded micro-cables having a collapsed coil configuration with a primary shape and an expanded coil configuration with a secondary three dimensional shape, each said multi-stranded micro-cable having a plurality of flexible strands of a shape memory material, and at least one said strand being a radiopaque strand to provide a radiopaque marker of the deployed configuration of a device made of the cable during vascular surgery.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 120, said micro-cable further comprising at least one outer cover disposed over at least a portion of said plurality of multi-stranded micro-cables to produce a composite banded cable.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
29 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 121, wherein said secondary three dimensional shape is selected from the group consisting of generally spherical, generally helical, and generally conical shapes.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
16 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 121, wherein said plurality of strands are helically wound.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
18 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 121, wherein said plurality of flexible strands are parallel longitudinal strands.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
21 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 121, wherein at least one of said plurality of strands comprises a super-elastic material.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
17 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 125, wherein said super-elastic material comprises a nickel titanium alloy.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
21 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 121, wherein a plurality of said flexible strands are comprised of a super-elastic material.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
68 words
The three demensional composite device of claim 121, wherein at least one of the strands comprises a therapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of human growth hormone; genetic material; antigens; hydrogels; a metal wire selected from the group consisting of copper and copper alloys; and a fiber selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, fluoropolymers, nylons, polyaramid fiber and silk chosen for thrombogenicity.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 128, wherein at least a portion of said strand of therapeutic agent projects beyond the diameter of the remaining strands on said cable.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
21 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 128, wherein at least one of the strands is impregnated with said therapeutic agent.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
21 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 128, wherein at least one of the strands is coated with said therapeutic agent.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
25 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 128, wherein said therapeutic agent is disposed axially in a central core of said three dimensional composite device.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
42 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 121, wherein at least one of said strands comprises a therapeutic agent including at least one component selected from the group consisting of hydrogel, collagen, and bio-absorbable polymers including lactic acids, glycolic acids and caprolactam.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
14 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 121, further comprising means to conduct energy.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
22 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 134, wherein said means to conduct energy comprises an optical fiber to conduct light energy.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
25 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 121, wherein said plurality of strands comprises a plurality of exterior strands surrounding at least one interior strand.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
29 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 121, wherein said plurality of strands comprises a plurality of exterior strands surrounding a central core of said three dimensional composite device.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
40 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 121, wherein said radiopaque strand comprises at least one centrally, axially disposed radiopaque wire, and said radiopaque wire is formed from a metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, tungsten, and gold.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
26 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 121, wherein said outer cover comprises a sheath to constrain said strands of said micro-cable about a longitudinal axis.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
20 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 139, wherein said sheath comprises a containment strand wound about said longitudinal strands.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
32 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 140, wherein said containment strand is wound at varying intervals along the outside to provide variations in the torqueability and stiffness of the composite cable.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
21 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 140, wherein the width of the outer cover is varied along the composite cable.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
35 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 139, wherein said sheath comprises a plurality of heat shrink plastic tubes placed to provide bending stiffness in said cable which varies with the position on said cable.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
54 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 121, wherein said outer cover comprises an outer sheath of material to provide bending stiffness and constrain said longitudinal strands about said longitudinal axis, said sheath being formed of a low friction material selected from the group consisting of a fluoropolymer and a heat shrinkable plastic tube.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
36 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 144, wherein outer cover comprises a plurality of layers formed of different materials in order to provide a graduated bending and stiffness characteristic over the length of the cable.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
33 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 121, wherein said strands of the micro-cable are bundled by a plurality of bands disposed at intervals along said micro-cable to produce a composite banded cable.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
19 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 146, wherein said strands are laid parallel within the composite banded cable.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
18 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 146, wherein said strands are twisted within the composite banded cable.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
16 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 146, wherein composite cable comprises a single inner micro-cable.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
33 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 121, wherein said outer cover varies in cross section along its length to provide bending stiffness of said composite cable which varies along said composite cable.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
33 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 121, wherein the number of strands and the degree to which they extend along said composite cable within the outer cover varies along said composite cable.
Claim 155
Dependent Claim
20 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 121, wherein said multi-stranded micro-cable is approximately 0.0021 to 0.0045 inches in diameter.
Claim 156
Dependent Claim
31 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 121, wherein said composite microcable comprises a plurality of micro-cables disposed within said outer cover in order to provide desired bending and strength characteristics.
Claim 157
Dependent Claim
20 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 153, wherein said plurality of micro-cables are helically wound within said outer cover.
Claim 158
Dependent Claim
21 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 153, wherein said plurality of micro-cables extend parallel and longitudinally within said outer cover.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
39 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 153, wherein said composite cable has a collapsed primary configuration and an expanded secondary configuration with a secondary three dimensional shape selected from the group consisting of spherical, helical and conical shapes.
Claim 160
Dependent Claim
27 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 153, wherein said plurality of micro-cables are bundled by at least one outer cover to produce said composite banded cable.
Claim 161
Dependent Claim
22 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 153, wherein said plurality of micro-cables are banded at intervals by a plurality of bands.
Claim 162
Dependent Claim
41 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 121, further comprising at least one longitudinal element for sensing a parameter selected from the group consisting of an optical imaging element, an optical fiber, a thermal imaging element, and an ultrasound imaging element.
Claim 163
Dependent Claim
17 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 120, wherein said shape memory material comprises a nickel-titanium alloy.
Claim 164
Dependent Claim
56 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 160, wherein said shape memory nickel-titanium alloy is heat treated such that the alloy is highly flexible at a temperature appropriate for introduction into the body via a catheter, and after placement, the device will take on a shape designed to optimize the therapeutic purposes desired for the device.
Claim 165
Dependent Claim
18 words
The three dimensional composite device of claim 120, wherein said shape memory material comprises a shape memory polymer.
Claim 166
Dependent Claim
58 words
A composite micro-cable for use in interventional therapy comprising: at least one longitudinal strand made of a radiopaque material; at least one longitudinal strand made of a flexible shape memory material; and at least one strand of a therapeutic material which extends beyond the diameter of the other strands in the micro-cable along the length of the cable.
Claim 167
Dependent Claim
58 words
A composite micro-cable for use in interventional therapy comprising: at least one longitudinal strand made of a radiopaque material; at least one longitudinal strand made of a flexible shape memory material; and at least one strand of a therapeutic material which extends beyond the diameter of the other strands in the micro-cable along the length of the cable.
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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) | 2003-12-12 | 2004-06-12 | 2004-12-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-12-12 | 2008-06-12 | 2008-12-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-12-12 | 2012-06-12 | 2012-12-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |