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 (3), comprising a central tube (5) surrounded by an exterior tube (7) axially displaceable relative said central tube (5), and a plurality of axially extending gripping members (9) attached to said central tube at a distal end (11) thereof, said gripping members (9) being substantially evenly distributed around the periphery of said central tube (5) and capable of outward expanding action of their distal ends when retracting said exterior tube (7) from the distal end (8) of said central tube, characterized in that said gripping members (9) are arranged in at least two concentric sets (13,15), wherein every other set (13) is circumferentially displaced relative the adjacent one (15) so as to substantially cover the gaps between two adjacent members (9) of the adjacent set when in an expanded position, said sets (13,15) of gripping members (9) thereby forming a substantially closed distal end periphery when in said expanded position permitting a substantially omnidirectional engagement around said stent (3).
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said gripping members (9) are arranged in two concentric sets (13,15).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
59 words
A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an inner set (13) of gripping members (9) is integral with said central tube (5) by said members (9) being formed by cutting up axially extending slits at the distal end (11) of said tube (5) followed by outward permanent deformation of said members (9) to enable said expanding action.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
A device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein an outer set (15) of gripping members is constituted by a sleeve surrounding the distal end (11) of said central tube (5), the gripping members (9) of said outer set (15) being formed by cutting up axially extending slits at the distal end of said sleeve.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
30 words
A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the distal ends of said gripping members (9) are pointed or rounded to facilitate penetration between stent (3) and surrounding lumen wall.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
30 words
A device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least two of the diametrically positioned gripping members (9) are provided with inwardly extending hooks improving the engagement with said stent.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
31 words
A device according to any of claims 5 to 8, further comprising viewing means such as an endoscope or a telescope positioned inside the central tube (5) and axially displaceable therein.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
24 words
A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the concentric members (5,7) are made of flexible materials enabling bending of the device under operation.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
21 words
A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the number of gripping members (9) in each set is at least 3.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus for implanting a substantially tubular, radially expansible stent (3), comprising a device according to claim 1 in combination with such stent (3) positioned between said gripping members (9) in a contracted state and said exterior tube (7).
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said stent (3) is of the self-expanding type.