US5907893A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Methods for the manufacture of radially expansible stents
Assignee: Medtronic Vascular Inc
•
Filing: 1997-01-31
•
Granted: 1999-06-01
•
Expires: 2017-01-31
Abstract
Abstract Methods and articles for fabricating expansive stents having generally cylindrical configurations with a pattern therein include interconnecting portions from a generally planar sheet of material with a central portion. A pattern is formed in the sheet of material around said central portion corresponding to said pattern having interconnecting portions. The pattern has a generally circular outer margin. The pattern is separated from the sheet of material and causes relative movement between the central portion of the pattern and the outer circular margin in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the central portion. The pattern is transformed from one sheet form into one in cylindrical form to provide an expansible stent having a generally cylindrical configuration.
Inventors
- 👤 Gholam-Reza Zadno-Azizi
- 👤 Kirsten F. Luehrs
- 👤 Darin C. Gittings
- 👤 Roman Turovskiy
- 👤 Brian J. Cox
- 👤 Brian Shiu
- 👤 Michael B. Hayes
- 👤 Craig J. Coombs
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:24
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/82; A61F2/86; A61F2/88; A61F2/90; A61F2/91; A61F2/915; B; B21; B21D; B21D51/00; B21D51/02; B21D51/10; A61F2002/91533; A61F2002/9155; A61F2002/91558; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0002; A61F2230/0017; A61F2230/0028; A61F2230/005; A61F2230/0054; A61F2230/0063; A61F2230/0067; A61F2240/00; A61F2240/001; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S623/00; Y10S623/901; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/18; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49789; Y10T29/49799; Y10T29/49995
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 120
Claim 1
Independent Claim
30 words
A method for fabricating a cylindrical stent, said method comprising: providing a planar network of interconnected elements comprising an annular lattice; and reforming the planar network into a cylindrical wall.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
30 words
A method for fabricating a cylindrical stent, said method comprising: providing a planar network of interconnected elements comprising an annular lattice; and reforming the planar network into a cylindrical wall.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 1, wherein the interconnected elements of the planar network are joined in at least one continuous annular path.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as in claim 2, wherein the interconnected elements comprise an annular serpentine ring.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 1, wherein the interconnected elements comprise a plurality of closed peripheral structures.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 4, wherein the closed peripheral structures are polygonal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method as in claim 5, wherein the polygonal structures are lozenge-shaped.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 1, wherein the planar network comprises a spiral with a radially inward end and a radially outward end.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 7, wherein the spiral has a superimposed serpentine pattern.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 7, wherein the spiral has a rectilinear geometry.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 1, wherein the providing step comprises patterning a planar sheet of material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 10, wherein the patterning step comprises photochemical etching of the planar sheet of material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 10, wherein the patterning step comprises cutting the sheet of material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 12, wherein the cutting step comprises electrical discharge machining.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 12, wherein the cutting step comprises laser cutting.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as in claim 12, wherein the cutting step comprises providing a plurality of planar sheets arranged in a stack and cutting the stack to provide a plurality of planar networks.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 10, wherein the patterning step comprises stamping the planar sheet of material.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 1, wherein the providing step comprises folding a continuous filament into the planar network or joining multiple discrete elements together.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 1, wherein the providing step comprises joining a plurality of discrete elements into the planar network.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method a s in claim 1, wherein the planar network of interconnected elements is composed of a metal.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 19, wherein the metal is a shape memory alloy.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 20, wherein the metal is a nickel titanium alloy.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 19, wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, titanium, tantalum, platinum, and elgiloy.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as in claim 1, further comprising treating the reformed cylindrical wall to change at least one physical property.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 23, wherein the treating step comprises heat treating.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
43 words
A method for fabricating a cylindrical stent, said method comprising; providing an annular lattice of interconnected elements, said lattice being eversible; and everting the annular lattice to form a cylindrical wall of the cylindrical stent, wherein the resulting everted structure is radially expansible.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
43 words
A method for fabricating a cylindrical stent, said method comprising; providing an annular lattice of interconnected elements, said lattice being eversible; and everting the annular lattice to form a cylindrical wall of the cylindrical stent, wherein the resulting everted structure is radially expansible.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 25, wherein the interconnected elements of the planar network are joined in at least one continuous annular path.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as in claim 26, wherein the interconnected elements comprise an annular serpentine ring.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 25, wherein the annular lattice comprises an annular serpentine ring which becomes a cylindrical serpentine ring after eversion.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 25, wherein the interconnected elements comprise a plurality of closed peripheral structures.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 29, wherein the closed peripheral structures are polygonal.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method as in claim 30, wherein the polygonal structures are lozenge-shaped.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as in claim 31, wherein the annular lattice comprises a plurality of lozenge-shaped elements having axes which are aligned radially within the annular network, wherein adjacent lozenge-shaped elements are connected to each other.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as in claim 32, wherein the adjacent lozenge-shaped elements are connected to each other by tabs located along a common diametric line within the annular lattice.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 33, wherein the annular lattice comprises at least two radially successive annular rows of lozenge-shaped elements.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 25, wherein the providing step comprises patterning a planar sheet of material.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 35, wherein the patterning step comprises photochemical etching of the planar sheet of material.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 35, wherein the patterning step comprises cutting the sheet of material.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 37, wherein the cutting step comprises electrical discharge machining.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 37, wherein the cutting step comprises laser cutting.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as in claim 37, wherein the cutting step comprises providing a plurality of planar sheets arranged in a stack and cutting the stack to provide a plurality of planar networks.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 35, wherein the patterning step comprises stamping the planar sheet of material.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 25, wherein the providing step comprises folding a continuous filament into the annular lattice.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 25, wherein the providing step comprises joining a plurality of discrete elements into the annular lattice.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as in claim 25, wherein the annular lattice of interconnected elements is composed of a metal.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 44, wherein the metal is a shape memory alloy.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 45, wherein the metal is a nickel titanium alloy.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 44, wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, titanium, tantalum, platinum, and elgiloy.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as in claim 25, further comprising treating the everted cylindrical wall to change at least one physical property.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 48, wherein the treating step comprises heat treating.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
73 words
A method for fabricating a cylindrical stent, said method comprising: providing an eversible structure which has been patterned in a planar sheet of material, said eversible structure comprising a central portion and an outer margin; and everting the eversible structure to form a cylindrical wall of the cylindrical stent, wherein the everting step comprises relative movement between the central portion and the outer margin and wherein the resulting cylindrical wall is radially expansible.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
73 words
A method for fabricating a cylindrical stent, said method comprising: providing an eversible structure which has been patterned in a planar sheet of material, said eversible structure comprising a central portion and an outer margin; and everting the eversible structure to form a cylindrical wall of the cylindrical stent, wherein the everting step comprises relative movement between the central portion and the outer margin and wherein the resulting cylindrical wall is radially expansible.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 50, wherein the eversible structure comprises an annular lattice.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 51, wherein the eversible structure comprises interconnected elements which are joined in at least one continuous annular path.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as in claim 52, wherein the interconnected elements comprise an annular serpentine ring.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 50, wherein the eversible structure is an annular serpentine ring which becomes a cylindrical serpentine ring after eversion.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 50, wherein the interconnected elements comprise a plurality of closed peripheral structures.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 55, wherein the closed peripheral structures are polygonal.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method as in claim 56, wherein the polygonale structures are lozenge-shaped.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as in claim 57, wherein the eversible structure comprises a plurality of lozenge-shaped elements having axes which are aligned radially, wherein adjacent lozenge-shaped elements are connected to each other.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as in claim 58, wherein the adjacent lozenge-shaped elements are connected to each other by tabs located along a common diametric line.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 59, wherein the eversible structure comprises at least two radially spaced-apart annular rows of diamond-shaped elements.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as in claim 50, wherein the eversible structure comprises a spiral with a radially inward end and a radially outward end, wherein the spiral becomes a radially expansible helical coil after eversion.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 61, wherein the spiral has a superimposed serpentine pattern.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 61, wherein the spiral has a rectilinear geometry.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 50, wherein the providing step comprises patterning a planar sheet of material.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 64, wherein the patterning step comprises photochemical etching of the planar sheet of material.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 64, wherein the patterning step comprises cutting the sheet of material.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 66, wherein the cutting step comprises electrical discharge machining.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 66, wherein the cutting step comprises laser cuttings.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as in claim 66, wherein the cutting step comprises providing a plurality of planar sheets arranged in a stack and cutting the stack to provide a plurality of planar networks.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 50, wherein the patterning step comprises stamping the planar sheet of material.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as in claim 50, wherein the planar network of interconnected elements is composed of a metal.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 71, wherein the metal is a shape memory alloy.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 72, wherein the metal is a nickel titanium alloy.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 71, wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, titanium, tantalum, platinum, and elgiloy.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as in claim 50, further comprising treating the everted cylindrical wall to change at least one physical property.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 75, wherein the treating step comprises heat treating.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
117 words
A method for making an expansible stent having a generally cylindrical configuration with a pattern therein having interconnecting portions from a generally planar sheet of material having a central portion comprising forming around said central portion a pattern in the sheet of material corresponding to said pattern having interconnecting portions, the pattern having a generally circular outer margin, separating the pattern from the sheet of material and causing relative movement between the central portion of the pattern and the outer circular margin in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the central portion to transform the pattern from one in sheet form into one in cylindrical form to provide the expansible stent having a generally cylindrical configuration.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
117 words
A method for making an expansible stent having a generally cylindrical configuration with a pattern therein having interconnecting portions from a generally planar sheet of material having a central portion comprising forming around said central portion a pattern in the sheet of material corresponding to said pattern having interconnecting portions, the pattern having a generally circular outer margin, separating the pattern from the sheet of material and causing relative movement between the central portion of the pattern and the outer circular margin in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the central portion to transform the pattern from one in sheet form into one in cylindrical form to provide the expansible stent having a generally cylindrical configuration.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
66 words
A method as in claim 77, wherein said pattern is a first pattern, and further comprising forming a second pattern in said sheet of material adjacent said first pattern, said first and second patterns having an interconnecting portion therebetween to provide, upon transformation of said first and second patterns from sheet form to cylindrical form, a pair of axially aligned stents interconnected by said interconnecting portion.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
90 words
A method as in claim 77, wherein the pattern has a central opening in the central portion, the transformation from sheet form to cylindrical form being accomplished by causing relative movement between a tapered mandrel and the pattern and causing the tapered portion of the mandrel to extend through the central opening to progressively cause the pattern to be transformed from a planar sheet into a substantially conical shape and thereafter into a cylindrical shape to provide a stent having a diameter generally corresponding to the diameter of the mandrel.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as in claim 79, further comprising heat treating the stent after it has been formed into a cylindrical shape on the mandrel.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method as in claim 80, further comprising positioning a sleeve over the mandrel to hold the stent in place and to provide a maximum diameter for the stent during the time it is being heat treated.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method as in claim 80, wherein the sheet of material is formed of a nickel titanium alloy and wherein heat treating is carried out at a temperature ranging from 350° C. to 500° C. for a period of time ranging from a few seconds to 60 minutes.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method as in claim 80, further comprising compressing the stent to a smaller diameter after the stent has been heat treated to create a stent having a length which is greater than the diameter of the stent.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
57 words
A method as in claim 77, wherein said central portion of the pattern has a solid central portion and wherein causing relative movement between the central portion and the outer circular margin comprises engaging a punch against said central portion to cause a transformation of material from a planar sheet by deep drawing into a cylindrical cup.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as in claim 84, together with the step of severing the central portion of the pattern from the cylindrical cup after it has been formed and separating the cylindrical cup from the sheet.
Claim 90
Independent Claim
46 words
A method for making an expansible stent having a generally cylindrical configuration from a sheet of material, said method comprising forming a cylindrical cup having a bottom from the sheet of material, severing the bottom from the cylindrical cup and severing the cup from the sheet.
Claim 91
Independent Claim
46 words
A method for making an expansible stent having a generally cylindrical configuration from a sheet of material, said method comprising forming a cylindrical cup having a bottom from the sheet of material, severing the bottom from the cylindrical cup and severing the cup from the sheet.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as in claim 86, together with the step of forming a pattern having interconnecting portions therein in the material forming the cup.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 87, wherein the pattern is formed in the sheet prior to the formation of the cup.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 87, wherein the pattern is formed in the cup after formation of the cup.
Claim 95
Independent Claim
44 words
A method for fabricating a cylindrical stent, said method comprising: providing a planar network of interconnected elements having a central portion and an outer margin; and everting the planar network into a cylindrical wall by moving the central portion relative to the outer margin.
Claim 96
Independent Claim
44 words
A method for fabricating a cylindrical stent, said method comprising: providing a planar network of interconnected elements having a central portion and an outer margin; and everting the planar network into a cylindrical wall by moving the central portion relative to the outer margin.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 90, wherein the planar network comprises an annular lattice.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 91, wherein the interconnected elements of the planar network are joined in at least one continuous annular path.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as in claim 92, wherein the interconnected elements comprise an annular serpentine ring.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 91, wherein the interconnected elements comprise a plurality of closed peripheral structures.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 94, wherein the closed peripheral structures are polygonal.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method as in claim 95, wherein the polygonal structures are lozenge-shaped.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 90, wherein the planar network comprises a spiral with a radially inward end and a radially outward end.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 97, wherein the spiral has a superimposed serpentine pattern.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 97, wherein the spiral has a rectilinear geometry.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 90, wherein the providing step comprises patterning a planar sheet of material.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 100, wherein the patterning step comprises photochemical etching of the planar sheet of material.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 100, wherein the patterning step comprises cutting the sheet of material.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 102, wherein the cutting step comprises electrical discharge machining.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 102, wherein the cutting step comprises laser cutting.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as in claim 102, wherein the cutting step comprises providing a plurality of planar sheets arranged in a stack and cutting the stack to provide a plurality of planar networks.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 90, wherein the patterning step comprises stamping the planar sheet of material.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 90, wherein the providing step comprises folding a continuous filament into the planar network or joining multiple discrete elements together.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 90, wherein the providing step comprises joining a plurality of discrete elements into the planar network.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as in claim 90, wherein the planar network of interconnected elements is composed of a metal.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 109, wherein the metal is a shape memory alloy.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 110, wherein the metal is a nickel titanium alloy.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 109, wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, titanium, tantalum, platinum, and elgiloy.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as in claim 90, further comprising treating the reformed cylindrical wall to change at least one physical property.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 113, wherein the treating step comprises heat treating.
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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) | 2002-05-31 | 2002-11-30 | 2003-06-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-05-31 | 2006-11-30 | 2007-06-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-05-31 | 2010-11-30 | 2011-06-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |