US6340367B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Radiopaque markers and methods of using the same
Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed Inc
•
Filing: 1997-08-01
•
Granted: 2002-01-22
•
Expires: 2017-08-01
Abstract
Abstract A temporary and retrievable radiopaque marker and discrete radiopaque marker for use on an implantable endoprosthesis. The elongate marker has a proximal end, a distal end, and a thickness. At least a portion of the marker is radiopaque and the marker is removably-attached to the implantable endoprosthesis.
Inventors
- 👤 Jonathan S. Stinson
- 👤 Claude O. Clerc
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 11:12
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/82; A61F2/86; A61F2/90; A61F2220/00; A61F2220/0025; A61F2220/005; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0058; A61F2250/0059; A61F2250/0096; A61F2250/0098
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 66
Claim 1
Independent Claim
74 words
An implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system comprising: an implantable endoprosthesis adapted to be disposed in a body lumen; and at least one elongate marker having a proximal end, a distal end, a thickness, and at least one radiopaque portion, the radiopaque portion including a radiopaque material wherein the marker is removably attached to at least a portion of the implantable endoprosthesis and is removeable from the endoprosthesis when the endoprosthesis is in vivo.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
74 words
An implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system comprising: an implantable endoprosthesis adapted to be disposed in a body lumen; and at least one elongate marker having a proximal end, a distal end, a thickness, and at least one radiopaque portion, the radiopaque portion including a radiopaque material wherein the marker is removably attached to at least a portion of the implantable endoprosthesis and is removeable from the endoprosthesis when the endoprosthesis is in vivo.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system of claim 1 wherein the radiopaque material is at least partially dispersed from the marker over time.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system of claim 1 wherein the radiopaque material has a linear attenuation coefficient of from about 10 cm −1 at 50 KeV to about 120 cm −1 at 50 KeV.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
The implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system of claim 1 wherein the marker has a thickness of from about 20 microns to about 500 microns and the radiopaque material has at least one element with an atomic number of from about 22 to about 83.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system of claim 1 wherein the marker includes an oxide or salt material having at least one element with an atomic number of from about 22 to about 83.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system of claim 1 wherein the marker includes a material selected from the group consisting of barium sulfate, bismuth trioxide, iodine, iodide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, gold, platinum, silver, tantalum, niobium, stainless steel, and combinations thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
The implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system of claim 1 wherein the marker is coated or alloyed with a radiopaque material that has a linear attenuation coefficient of from about 10 cm −1 at 50 KeV to about 120 cm −1 at 50 KeV.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system of claim 1 wherein the marker crosses at least one portion of the implantable endoprosthesis.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system of claim 1 wherein the marker is in a form selected from the group consisting of wire, mono-filament, multi-filament, ribbon, suture, spring, and combinations thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system of claim 1 wherein the marker comprises material selected from the group consisting of metal, polymer, copolymer, ceramic, and combinations thereof.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system of claim 1 wherein the marker includes at least one hollow, cavity, or porous portion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system of claim 1 wherein the marker includes at least one hollow, cavity, or porous portion therein adapted to receive the radiopaque material removably attached therein.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system of claim 1 wherein the proximal end of the marker is connected to at least one of the implantable endoprosthesis delivery device or a handle.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
The implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system of claim 1 wherein the proximal end of the marker has a hook, knob, ring, or eyelet attached thereto.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
35 words
The implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system of claim 1 further comprising a delivery device wherein the implantable endoprosthesis and marker are disposed in the delivery device and adapted for implantation into a body lumen.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
29 words
The implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system of claim 1 wherein the implantable endoprosthesis is selected from the group consisting of stent, stent-graft, graft, filter, occlusive device, and valve.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
47 words
The implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system of claim 1 wherein the marker system further comprises at least one elongate wire removably attached to the implantable endoprosthesis wherein the marker crosses at least a portion of the implantable endoprosthesis and crosses the at least one elongate wire.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
96 words
An implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system comprising: an implantable endoprosthesis adapted to be disposed in a body lumen; and at least one elongate marker removably attached to the implantable endoprosthesis, the marker having a proximal end, a distal end, a thickness, at least one hollow, cavity, or porous portion, and at least one radiopaque material having a linear attenuation coefficient of from about 10 cm −1 at 50 KeV to about 120 cm −1 at 50 KeV wherein the radiopaque material is removably attached to at least one of the hollow, cavity, or porous portions.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
96 words
An implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system comprising: an implantable endoprosthesis adapted to be disposed in a body lumen; and at least one elongate marker removably attached to the implantable endoprosthesis, the marker having a proximal end, a distal end, a thickness, at least one hollow, cavity, or porous portion, and at least one radiopaque material having a linear attenuation coefficient of from about 10 cm −1 at 50 KeV to about 120 cm −1 at 50 KeV wherein the radiopaque material is removably attached to at least one of the hollow, cavity, or porous portions.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
32 words
The implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system of claim 18 wherein the radiopaque portion is at least one of a liquid, solid, powder, gel, wire, mono-filament, multi-filament, pellet, particle, and combinations thereof.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
102 words
A method of marking an implantable endoprosthesis comprising the steps of: removably-attaching at least one elongate marker having a proximal and distal end to a portion of an implantable endoprosthesis to form an assembly, the marker including at least one radiopaque material having a linear attenuation coefficient of from about 10 cm −1 at 50 KeV to about 120 cm −1 at 50 KeV; disposing the assembly in a delivery system; inserting the delivery system in a body lumen; deploying the assembly from the delivery system into the body lumen; and removing at least a portion of marker from the implantable endoprosthesis.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
102 words
A method of marking an implantable endoprosthesis comprising the steps of: removably-attaching at least one elongate marker having a proximal and distal end to a portion of an implantable endoprosthesis to form an assembly, the marker including at least one radiopaque material having a linear attenuation coefficient of from about 10 cm −1 at 50 KeV to about 120 cm −1 at 50 KeV; disposing the assembly in a delivery system; inserting the delivery system in a body lumen; deploying the assembly from the delivery system into the body lumen; and removing at least a portion of marker from the implantable endoprosthesis.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of marking an implantable endoprosthesis of claim 20 further comprising the step of performing one or more medical procedures using the markers as a surgical guide prior to removing at least a portion of the marker from the endoprosthesis.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of marking an implantable endoprosthesis of claim 20 wherein the marker includes a radiopaque portion and a secondary portion and the radiopaque portion is first substantially removed from the implantable endoprosthesis prior to removal of the remaining secondary portion of the marker.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of marking an implantable endoprosthesis of claim 20 wherein removing the marker from the implantable endoprosthesis is performed by a force controlled from outside the body.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of marking an implantable endoprosthesis of claim 20 further comprising the steps of removably-attaching at least one wire to at least a portion of the implantable endoprosthesis and crossing the wire or the elongate marker over the other such that one of the marker or the wire requires removal prior to removal of the other from the implantable endoprosthesis.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
111 words
An implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system comprising: an implantable endoprosthesis having a tubular and radially expandable structure adapted to be disposed in a body lumen; and at least one elongate marker removably attached to the implantable endoprosthesis, the marker including a radiopaque material having a linear attenuation coefficient of from about 10 cm −1 at 50 KeV to about 120 cm −1 at 50 KeV, a proximal end, a distal end, and a thickness wherein the marker is adapted to disperse at least a portion of the radiopaque material into the body when in vivo and wherein the marker is removable from the endoprosthesis when the endoprosthesis is in vivo.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
111 words
An implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system comprising: an implantable endoprosthesis having a tubular and radially expandable structure adapted to be disposed in a body lumen; and at least one elongate marker removably attached to the implantable endoprosthesis, the marker including a radiopaque material having a linear attenuation coefficient of from about 10 cm −1 at 50 KeV to about 120 cm −1 at 50 KeV, a proximal end, a distal end, and a thickness wherein the marker is adapted to disperse at least a portion of the radiopaque material into the body when in vivo and wherein the marker is removable from the endoprosthesis when the endoprosthesis is in vivo.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
34 words
The implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system of claim 25 wherein the implantable endoprosthesis further comprises an axially flexible structure including a plurality of the elongate elements which are interwoven in a braid-like configuration.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
78 words
A temporary radiopaque marker comprising: an elongate marker having a proximal end, a distal end, an average thickness of from about 20 microns to about 500 microns, and including a radiopaque material having a linear attenuation coefficient of from about 10 cm −1 at 50 KeV to about 120 cm −1 at 50 KeV wherein the marker is adapted to be removably attached to an implantable endoprosthesis and removable from the endoprosthesis when the endoprosthesis is in vivo.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
78 words
A temporary radiopaque marker comprising: an elongate marker having a proximal end, a distal end, an average thickness of from about 20 microns to about 500 microns, and including a radiopaque material having a linear attenuation coefficient of from about 10 cm −1 at 50 KeV to about 120 cm −1 at 50 KeV wherein the marker is adapted to be removably attached to an implantable endoprosthesis and removable from the endoprosthesis when the endoprosthesis is in vivo.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
22 words
The temporary radiopaque marker of claim 27 wherein the proximal end further comprises at least one of a hook, knob, or eyelet.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
145 words
In combination, a discrete radiopaque marker and implantable endoprosthesis comprising: an implantable endoprosthesis having one or more attachment areas and adapted to be disposed in a body lumen; and one or more elongate markers having a proximal end, a distal end, and one or more portions therebetween, the markers having a thickness of from about 20 microns to about 500 microns and including a radiopaque material disposed in at least one of a hollow, cavity or porous portion in the one or more elongate markers, the radiopaque material having a linear attenuation coefficient of from about 10 cm −1 at 50 KeV to about 120 cm −1 at 50 KeV, at least a portion of the one or more elongate markers are made of a ductile material and adapted to be deformed and permanently disposed about the one or more attachment areas of the endoprosthesis.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
145 words
In combination, a discrete radiopaque marker and implantable endoprosthesis comprising: an implantable endoprosthesis having one or more attachment areas and adapted to be disposed in a body lumen; and one or more elongate markers having a proximal end, a distal end, and one or more portions therebetween, the markers having a thickness of from about 20 microns to about 500 microns and including a radiopaque material disposed in at least one of a hollow, cavity or porous portion in the one or more elongate markers, the radiopaque material having a linear attenuation coefficient of from about 10 cm −1 at 50 KeV to about 120 cm −1 at 50 KeV, at least a portion of the one or more elongate markers are made of a ductile material and adapted to be deformed and permanently disposed about the one or more attachment areas of the endoprosthesis.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
29 words
The in combination, discrete radiopaque marker and implantable endoprosthesis of claim 29 wherein the markers are deformed by at least one of plastic deformation, elastic deformation, or combinations thereof.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
27 words
The in combination, discrete radiopaque marker and implantable endoprosthesis of claim 29 wherein the marker further includes one of a twist, knot, crimp, weld, and combinations thereof.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
18 words
The in combination, discrete radiopaque marker and implantable endoprosthesis of claim 29 wherein the marker is a spring.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
41 words
The in combination, discrete radiopaque marker and implantable endoprosthesis of claim 29 wherein the deformation of one or more portions of the marker into an attachment position on the attachment area thereby prevents the marker from releasing from the implantable endoprosthesis.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
82 words
An implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system including: an implantable endoprosthesis adapted to be disposed in a body lumen; and an elongate marker removably attached to the endoprosthesis and having a free end extending away from the endoprosthesis, said elongate marker having at least one radiopaque portion including a radiopaque material disposed proximate the endoprosthesis when the marker is so attached thereto, wherein the marker is at least partially removable from the endoprosthesis by pulling said free end away from the endoprosthesis.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
82 words
An implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system including: an implantable endoprosthesis adapted to be disposed in a body lumen; and an elongate marker removably attached to the endoprosthesis and having a free end extending away from the endoprosthesis, said elongate marker having at least one radiopaque portion including a radiopaque material disposed proximate the endoprosthesis when the marker is so attached thereto, wherein the marker is at least partially removable from the endoprosthesis by pulling said free end away from the endoprosthesis.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
70 words
The system of claim 34 further including: a delivery device adapted for a delivery of the endoprosthesis to the body lumen and a withdrawal of the delivery device from the body lumen after an implantation of the endoprosthesis; and wherein the free end of the marker is attached to the delivery device whereby the withdrawal of the delivery device pulls the free end to remove the marker from the endoprosthesis.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 34 wherein: a portion of the marker is woven into the endoprosthesis.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 34 further including: an adhesive for temporarily securing the marker to the endoprosthesis.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 34 wherein: said radiopaque material is adapted to be at least partially dispersed from the marker into the body when the endoprosthesis is in vivo.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 34 wherein: the radiopaque material includes an element having an atomic number of at least 22.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 39 wherein: the radiopaque material includes said element in a form selected from the group consisting of: a metal, a metallic alloy including the element, an oxide including the element, and a salt including the element.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 39 wherein: the marker includes a polymer matrix combined with a powder, and the powder includes the element.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 34 wherein: the radiopaque material has a linear attenuation coefficient of at least 5.46 cm −1 at 50 KeV.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 34 wherein: the marker is provided in a form selected from the group consisting of: wires, monofilaments, multi-filaments, ribbons, sutures, springs, and combinations thereof.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
64 words
An implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system including: an implantable endoprosthesis adapted to be disposed in a body lumen; and an elongate marker removably attached to the implantable endoprosthesis and having at least one radiopaque portion including a radiopaque material, wherein the radiopaque material is adapted to be at least partially dispersed from the marker into the body when the endoprosthesis is in vivo.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
64 words
An implantable endoprosthesis and radiopaque marker system including: an implantable endoprosthesis adapted to be disposed in a body lumen; and an elongate marker removably attached to the implantable endoprosthesis and having at least one radiopaque portion including a radiopaque material, wherein the radiopaque material is adapted to be at least partially dispersed from the marker into the body when the endoprosthesis is in vivo.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 44 wherein: the radiopaque material includes an element having an atomic number of at least 22.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 45 wherein: the radiopaque material includes said element in the form of a salt including the element.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 44 wherein: the radiopaque material has a linear attenuation coefficient of at least 5.46 cm −1 at 50 KeV.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 44 wherein: the radiopaque portion of the marker is provided as a coating.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 44 wherein: the marker includes a free end extending away from the endoprosthesis when the marker is removably attached thereto, and the marker is removable from the endoprosthesis by pulling the free end away from the endoprosthesis.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
69 words
The system of claim 49 further including: a delivery device adapted for delivery of the endoprosthesis to the body lumen and a withdrawal of the delivery device from the body lumen after an implantation of the endoprosthesis; and wherein the free end of the marker is attached to the delivery device whereby the withdrawal of the delivery device pulls the free end to remove the marker from the endoprosthesis.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 44 wherein: a portion of the marker is woven into the endoprosthesis.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 44 wherein: the marker is formed as a spring, and when so removably attached is retained with respect to the endoprosthesis by a spring force.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 44 further including: an adhesive for temporarily securing the marker to the endoprosthesis.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
98 words
A process for modifying an implantable endoprosthesis to temporarily enhance a visualization thereof during and after an implantation thereof in a body lumen, comprising: providing a body implantable endoprosthesis; providing a marker, each marker having at least one radiopaque portion including a radiopaque material; and prior to an implantation of the endoprosthesis, attaching the marker to the implantable endoprosthesis with a free end of the marker extending away from the endoprosthesis, and further attaching the marker in a manner that facilitates a removal of the marker from the endoprosthesis by pulling the free end away from the endoprosthesis.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
98 words
A process for modifying an implantable endoprosthesis to temporarily enhance a visualization thereof during and after an implantation thereof in a body lumen, comprising: providing a body implantable endoprosthesis; providing a marker, each marker having at least one radiopaque portion including a radiopaque material; and prior to an implantation of the endoprosthesis, attaching the marker to the implantable endoprosthesis with a free end of the marker extending away from the endoprosthesis, and further attaching the marker in a manner that facilitates a removal of the marker from the endoprosthesis by pulling the free end away from the endoprosthesis.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
22 words
The process of claim 54 further including: after attaching the marker to the endoprosthesis, mounting the endoprosthesis releasably to a delivery device.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
45 words
The process of claim 55 further including: securing the free end of the marker to the delivery device, whereby a withdrawal of the delivery device after an implantation of the endoprosthesis pulls the free end of the marker to remove the marker from the endoprosthesis.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
73 words
The process of claim 54 wherein: the attaching of the marker to the endoprosthesis comprises using a mode of attachment selected from the group of modes consisting of: weaving a portion of the marker into the endoprosthesis, providing the marker as a spring having a spring force and using the spring force to retain the marker with respect to the endoprosthesis, and using an adhesive to temporarily attach the marker to the endoprosthesis.
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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) | 2005-01-21 | 2005-07-23 | 2006-01-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-01-21 | 2009-07-23 | 2010-01-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-01-21 | 2013-07-23 | 2014-01-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |