Patent US5545210A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5545210A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of implanting a permanent shape memory alloy stent
Assignee: Calmedica LLC
•
Filing: 1994-09-22
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Granted: 1996-08-13
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Expires: 2014-09-22
Abstract
Abstract A permanent tissue supporting device, and a method for supporting tissue, wherein a stent-like member comprising a shape-memory alloy is permanently positioned to support the tissue of a tubular organ of a living body. The shape-memory alloy of the positioned stent-like member is in the martensitic state and exhibits a strain on a horizontal plateau of a stress-strain curve of the shape-memory alloy when permanently positioned in the tubular organ.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert L. Hess
- 👤 John E. Bramfitt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:41
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/82; A61F2/86; A61F2210/00; A61F2210/0014; A61F2210/0023; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S623/00; Y10S623/902; Y10S623/903
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of implanting a permanent tissue supporting device comprising a stent-like member of a shape-memory alloy having martensitic and austenitic metallurgical states and a transition temperature A f therebetween, the method comprising sequential steps of (i) positioning the stent-like member in a tubular organ of a living body, (ii) mechanically expanding the stent-like member in its martensitic state to form a mechanically expanded shape, (iii) further expanding the stent-like member by heating the mechanically expanded shape above A f so that the stent-like member is transformed into the austenitic state and recovers a memorized configuration larger than the mechanically expanded shape, and (iv) cooling the stent-like member to body temperature.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of implanting a permanent tissue supporting device comprising a stent-like member of a shape-memory alloy having martensitic and austenitic metallurgical states and a transition temperature A f therebetween, the method comprising sequential steps of (i) positioning the stent-like member in a tubular organ of a living body, (ii) mechanically expanding the stent-like member in its martensitic state to form a mechanically expanded shape, (iii) further expanding the stent-like member by heating the mechanically expanded shape above A f so that the stent-like member is transformed into the austenitic state and recovers a memorized configuration larger than the mechanically expanded shape, and (iv) cooling the stent-like member to body temperature.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein 37° C.≦A f ≦62° C.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein the mechanically expanding step expands the stent to a size smaller than the inner diameter of the tubular organ.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 1, wherein the stent-like member is positioned permanently to support tissue.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
96 words
A method of supporting tissue, comprising the steps of: positioning a permanent generally tubular tissue supporting device in a tubular organ of a living body, the tissue supporting device comprising a shape-memory alloy having martensitic and austenitic metallurgical states and a transition temperature of at least 70° C. therebetween; and permanently fixing the tissue supporting device in the tubular organ such that the tissue supporting device is in the martensitic state, the tissue supporting device exhibiting a strain on a plateau of a stress-strain curve of the shape-memory alloy when permanently positioned in the tubular organ.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
96 words
A method of supporting tissue, comprising the steps of: positioning a permanent generally tubular tissue supporting device in a tubular organ of a living body, the tissue supporting device comprising a shape-memory alloy having martensitic and austenitic metallurgical states and a transition temperature of at least 70° C. therebetween; and permanently fixing the tissue supporting device in the tubular organ such that the tissue supporting device is in the martensitic state, the tissue supporting device exhibiting a strain on a plateau of a stress-strain curve of the shape-memory alloy when permanently positioned in the tubular organ.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method according to claim 5, the positioning step comprising crimping the tissue supporting device onto a balloon located at a distal end of a catheter, and navigating the tissue supporting device to an application site within the tubular organ.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 6, the fixing step comprising mechanically expanding the tissue supporting device until the balloon is fully expanded.
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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) | 1999-08-13 | 2000-02-12 | 2000-08-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-08-13 | 2004-02-12 | 2004-08-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-08-13 | 2008-02-12 | 2008-08-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |