Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
159 words
A method for implanting a coiled prosthesis within a body passageway having a longitudinally extending central axis comprising the steps of: a) disposing a coiled prosthesis upon a catheter in a coiled small diameter configuration; b) inserting the prosthesis and catheter within the body passageway by catheterization of the body passageway; c) expanding the prosthesis to unwind the coiled prosthesis to a larger diameter configuration that has a diameter larger than the small diameter configuration of step "a"; d) forming an annular ring with the prosthesis, having spaced apart first and second annular surfaces, wherein the length of the ring between annular surfaces is smaller than the diameter of the ring upon expansion, and said prosthesis having multiple, circumferentially spaced support members which extend longitudinally from each annular surface, each support member extending circumferentially only a partial distance around the circumference of the ring; and e) withdrawing the catheter from the body passageway after the prosthesis has been expanded.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
159 words
A method for implanting a coiled prosthesis within a body passageway having a longitudinally extending central axis comprising the steps of: a) disposing a coiled prosthesis upon a catheter in a coiled small diameter configuration; b) inserting the prosthesis and catheter within the body passageway by catheterization of the body passageway; c) expanding the prosthesis to unwind the coiled prosthesis to a larger diameter configuration that has a diameter larger than the small diameter configuration of step "a"; d) forming an annular ring with the prosthesis, having spaced apart first and second annular surfaces, wherein the length of the ring between annular surfaces is smaller than the diameter of the ring upon expansion, and said prosthesis having multiple, circumferentially spaced support members which extend longitudinally from each annular surface, each support member extending circumferentially only a partial distance around the circumference of the ring; and e) withdrawing the catheter from the body passageway after the prosthesis has been expanded.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein in step "c" the coiled prosthesis is uncoiled by inflating a balloon.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the catheter carries an inflatable balloon that uncoils the prosthesis and further comprising the step of locking the ring into the larger diameter configuration to prevent a return to a coiled position with a diameter smaller than the larger diameter configuration.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
129 words
An expandable intraluminal vascular coronary graft apparatus comprising: a) catheterization means for catheterizing a patient so that a blocked coronary artery can be accessed using a catheter; b) expandable coiled ring means for dilating the artery at the blockage site; c) means for expanding the ring means from a first small diameter to a second larger diameter; d) the ring means comprising a coiled ring that defines a fixed annular ring structure upon expansion to a second larger diameter, the ring having a length that is smaller than the diameter of the ring upon expansion; and e) multiple, circumferentially spaced and longitudinally extending support members, each extending from the ring longitudinally beyond one or more of its ends and extending circumferentially only a partial distance along the artery wall.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
129 words
An expandable intraluminal vascular coronary graft apparatus comprising: a) catheterization means for catheterizing a patient so that a blocked coronary artery can be accessed using a catheter; b) expandable coiled ring means for dilating the artery at the blockage site; c) means for expanding the ring means from a first small diameter to a second larger diameter; d) the ring means comprising a coiled ring that defines a fixed annular ring structure upon expansion to a second larger diameter, the ring having a length that is smaller than the diameter of the ring upon expansion; and e) multiple, circumferentially spaced and longitudinally extending support members, each extending from the ring longitudinally beyond one or more of its ends and extending circumferentially only a partial distance along the artery wall.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
10 words
The graft of claim 4 wherein the ring carries medication.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein in part "b" the coiled ring means is a coiled ring member having a first predetermined collapsed small diameter and a central opening, and in part "c" the means for expanding comprises an inflatable balloon that occupies the central opening during insertion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the ring means is metallic.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the ring means is plastic.