Patent US6336937B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6336937B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Multi-stage expandable stent-graft
Assignee: W.L. Gore and Associates Inc
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Filing: 1998-12-09
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Granted: 2002-01-08
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Expires: 2018-12-09
Abstract
Abstract An improved device for use in a conduit, such as a blood vessel, is provided. The device uniquely combines desirable properties from two distinct previous devices. The device of the present invention assumes and is constrained to a first diametrical dimension for insertion into the conduit. Once inserted and properly positioned in the conduit the device expands to a second diametrical dimension within the conduit when the constraint is removed. The device can then be dilated to one or more enlarged third diametrical dimensions by using a balloon catheter or similar device. The result is a device that provides desirable properties of both self-expanding stents and balloon-expandable endoprostheses. The device can be employed in a variety of applications.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael J. Vonesh
- 👤 Edward H. Cully
- 👤 Gerald R. Martin
- 👤 Steven R. Bruun
- 👤 Dennis L. Salzmann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:18
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/04; A61F2/06; A61F2/07; A61F2/82; A61F2/86; A61F2/89; A61F2/95; A61F2/958; A61F2002/072; A61F2002/075; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0002; A61F2230/0028; A61F2230/005; A61F2230/0054; A61F2230/0063; A61F2230/0073; A61F2230/0078; A61F2230/008; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0014; A61F2250/0039
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 42
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
An endoluminal prosthesis comprising a self-expanding stent element; a graft element comprising polytetrafluoroethylene attached to the stent element to form the endoluminal prosthesis; wherein the endoluminal prosthesis is constrained by a constraint to a first diametrical dimension for insertion into a lumen; wherein the endoluminal prosthesis self-expands to a second enlarged diametrical dimension when said constraint is removed, the endoluminal prosthesis being restricted from further diametrical enlargement by the graft element; and wherein the graft element yields under applied distensive force to enlarge at least a portion of the endoluminal prosthesis to a third diametrical dimension at least 10% larger than the second diametrical dimension, the endoluminal prosthesis maintaining the third diametrical dimension when the distensive force is removed; and wherein the stent element undergoes longitudinal shortening of less than 15% when enlarged from the first diametrical dimension to the third diametrical dimension.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
An endoluminal prosthesis comprising a self-expanding stent element; a graft element comprising polytetrafluoroethylene attached to the stent element to form the endoluminal prosthesis; wherein the endoluminal prosthesis is constrained by a constraint to a first diametrical dimension for insertion into a lumen; wherein the endoluminal prosthesis self-expands to a second enlarged diametrical dimension when said constraint is removed, the endoluminal prosthesis being restricted from further diametrical enlargement by the graft element; and wherein the graft element yields under applied distensive force to enlarge at least a portion of the endoluminal prosthesis to a third diametrical dimension at least 10% larger than the second diametrical dimension, the endoluminal prosthesis maintaining the third diametrical dimension when the distensive force is removed; and wherein the stent element undergoes longitudinal shortening of less than 15% when enlarged from the first diametrical dimension to the third diametrical dimension.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the stent element provides the expansive force to achieve the second dimension.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 2 wherein the graft element is distensible to a third dimension upon application of a distensive force in excess of that exerted by the stent element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the stent element provides at least a portion of the distensive force to achieve the third dimension.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the graft element comprises an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the graft element undergoes deformation between the second and third dimensions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the graft element undergoes deformation between the first and second dimensions.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the prosthesis is adapted to be expanded beyond its second dimension with a distensive force of an expandable balloon.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the prosthesis is capable of further expansion beyond the third dimension upon application of further distensive force thereto.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the prosthesis is capable of selective diametrical distention beyond the second dimension.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the device has a fluid-flow lumen therethrough; and the diameter of the lumen is adjustable beyond the second dimension to regulate flow through the lumen.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the prosthesis is adapted to be inserted into a body lumen and selectively diametrically expanded to prevent leakage of fluid around the device.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the prosthesis is adapted to be inserted into a body structure and selectively diametrically expanded to establish at least one intraluminal anastomosis.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the prosthesis is adapted to be inserted into a body structure and diametrically expanded to compensate for changes in the surrounding vasculature over time.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the prosthesis has smooth continuous internal surface therethrough, regardless of diameter, beyond the second dimension.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the prosthesis has smooth continuous internal surface therethrough, regardless of diameter beyond the first dimension.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
37 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the prosthesis has a longitudinal length; and the prosthesis distends from the second diametrical dimension to the third diametrical dimension with substantially no shortening along the length of the prosthesis.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the prosthesis includes at least a first and a second region; and the prosthesis includes different expansive properties between the first and the second regions.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
33 words
The endoluminal prosthesis device of claim 1 wherein the prosthesis is resistant to expansion at initial installation between the second and the third dimensions until a minimum threshold distensive force is applied thereto.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
31 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the device is adapted to be inserted into a body structure and expanded in place to achieve and maintain a taper along its length.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
29 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein once distended to a third diametrical dimension the prosthesis is resistant to recoil or further distention until a threshold pressure is reached.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the second dimension is at least 50% larger than the first dimension.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
19 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the second dimension is at least 75% larger than the first dimension.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
19 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the second dimension is at least 100% larger than the first dimension.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the third dimension is at least 30% larger than the second dimension.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
19 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the third dimension is at least 50% larger than the second dimension.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
19 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the third dimension is at least 75% larger than the second dimension.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
19 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the third dimension is at least 100% larger than the second dimension.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
15 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the prosthesis longitudinally shortens no more than 10%.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
15 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the prosthesis longitudinally shortens no more than 7%.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
15 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the prosthesis longitudinally shortens no more than 5%.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
22 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein graft element has a relatively smooth continuous internal surface over a range of operative diameters.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
30 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the stent element exerts a continuous outward radial force after initial installation so as to allow the prosthesis to enlarge further over time.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The endoluminai prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the by a constraint is resistant to the stent element; and wherein after experiencing a threshold pressure, the constraint allows the stent element to self-expand.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 in which the stent element is constrained through the constraint external to the device.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 35 in wherein enlargement beyond the first diametrical dimension occurs when the constraint is removed.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
20 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 1 in which the stent element is constrained through the constraint integral to the device.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
19 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 37 in which deformation of the constraint allows diametrical enlargement beyond the first diameter.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 38 wherein deformation of the constraint is achieved via distensive force.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
18 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 38 in which disruption of the constraint allows enlargement beyond the first diameter.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
16 words
The endoluminal prosthesis of claim 40 wherein disruption of the constraint is achieved via distensive force.
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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) | 2005-01-07 | 2005-07-09 | 2006-01-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-01-07 | 2009-07-09 | 2010-01-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-01-07 | 2013-07-09 | 2014-01-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |