Patent US6461381B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6461381B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible expandable stent
Assignee: Medinol Ltd
•
Filing: 1999-06-21
•
Granted: 2002-10-08
•
Expires: 2019-06-21
Abstract
Abstract There is disclosed a stent for implanting in the body. The stent is formed of a tube having a patterned shape which has first and second meander patterns having axes extending in first and second directions. The first meander patterns can be formed into even and odd first meander patterns. The even and odd first meander patterns are 180° out of phase with each other and the odd patterns occur between every two even patterns. The second meander patterns are intertwined with the first meander patterns. The first and second directions can be orthogonal to each other. The second meander patterns can also be formed of even and odd patterns.
Inventors
- 👤 Henry Marshall Israel
- 👤 Gregory Pinchasik
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 22:23
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/82; A61F2/86; A61F2/90; A61F2/91; A61F2/915; A61F2/856; A61F2002/91533; A61F2002/91541; A61F2002/9155; A61F2002/91558; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0002; A61F2230/0004; A61F2230/0013
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 89
Claim 1
Independent Claim
211 words
A stent for implanting in the body and expanding to hold open a blood vessel, which stent both before and after its intended expansion, comprises: a) a body-compatible metal mesh defining a tube having a plurality of longitudinally adjacent contiguous cells, each of the cells comprising one pair of longitudinally facing loops, each longitudinally facing loop having a generally curved apex and having portions with a substantial longitudinal component extending from said apex, said portions forming walls of the cells, wherein at least some of said portions are also walls of longitudinally adjacent cells, the pair of longitudinally facing loops generally opposite to and facing one another, each of the facing loops adapted to open further upon radial expansion of the stent which tends to foreshorten the stent longitudinally, and b) each of the cells further comprising a pair of members that include flexible curved portions, which members are disposed between the adjacent pair of facing loops and integral therewith to complete each of the cells, the pair of members made of a metal such that, upon curvature of the stent, the members will bend to facilitate flexing of the stent along the longitudinal axis and will, upon expansion of the stent, bend to substantially offset foreshortening along the longitudinal axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
211 words
A stent for implanting in the body and expanding to hold open a blood vessel, which stent both before and after its intended expansion, comprises: a) a body-compatible metal mesh defining a tube having a plurality of longitudinally adjacent contiguous cells, each of the cells comprising one pair of longitudinally facing loops, each longitudinally facing loop having a generally curved apex and having portions with a substantial longitudinal component extending from said apex, said portions forming walls of the cells, wherein at least some of said portions are also walls of longitudinally adjacent cells, the pair of longitudinally facing loops generally opposite to and facing one another, each of the facing loops adapted to open further upon radial expansion of the stent which tends to foreshorten the stent longitudinally, and b) each of the cells further comprising a pair of members that include flexible curved portions, which members are disposed between the adjacent pair of facing loops and integral therewith to complete each of the cells, the pair of members made of a metal such that, upon curvature of the stent, the members will bend to facilitate flexing of the stent along the longitudinal axis and will, upon expansion of the stent, bend to substantially offset foreshortening along the longitudinal axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
72 words
The stent of claim 1 wherein: (a) said plurality of cells includes all cells in said stent except for the cells disposed at the ends of the stent, and each wall of each of the plurality of cells also comprises the wall of an adjacent cell and, (b) each facing loop of each of the plurality of cells is connected to a facing loop in another cell by one of said members.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The stent of claim 2 wherein one pair of facing loops is disposed between each pair of members.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The stent of claim 3 wherein the curved apices of a pair of facing loops are generally aligned along the longitudinal axis of the stent.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The stent of claim 4 wherein the flexible curved portions are u-shaped.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The stent of claim 3 wherein the flexible curved portions are u-shaped.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The stent of claim 1 wherein the stent is adapted to be positioned on a balloon which upon expansion causes the stent to expand to hold open the blood vessel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The stent of claim 7 wherein the mesh is comprised of a metal which is balloon expandable.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The stent of claim 8 , wherein the stent is provided with a coating.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The stent of claim 7 wherein one pair of facing loops is disposed between each pair of members.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The stent of claim 10 wherein the curved apices of a pair of facing loops are generally aligned along the longitudinal axis of the stent.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
The stent of claim 11 wherein the flexible curved portions are u-shaped.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The stent of claim 10 wherein the flexible curved portions are u-shaped.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The stent of claim 7 wherein the curved apices of a pair of facing loops are generally aligned along the longitudinal axis of the stent.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
12 words
The stent of claim 14 wherein the flexible curved portions are u-shaped.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
12 words
The stent of claim 7 wherein the flexible curved portions are u-shaped.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
The stent of claim 1 , in which the expanded stent has approximately the same longitudinal length as the stent had prior to expansion.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The stent of claim 17 wherein one pair of facing loops is disposed between each pair of members.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
The stent of claim 18 wherein the curved apices of a pair of facing loops are generally aligned along the longitudinal axis of the stent.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
12 words
The stent of claim 19 wherein the flexible curved portions are u-shaped.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
12 words
The stent of claim 18 wherein the flexible curved portions are u-shaped.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
25 words
The stent of claim 17 wherein the curved apices of a pair of facing loops are generally aligned along the longitudinal axis of the stent.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
12 words
The stent of claim 22 wherein the flexible curved portions are u-shaped.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
12 words
The stent of claim 17 wherein the flexible curved portions are u-shaped.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
The stent of claim 1 wherein the mesh is comprised of a metal which is balloon expandable.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
The stent of claim 25 , wherein the stent is provided with a coating.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
18 words
The stent of claim 1 wherein one pair of facing loops is disposed between each pair of members.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
25 words
The stent of claim 27 wherein the curved apices of a pair of facing loops are generally aligned along the longitudinal axis of the stent.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
12 words
The stent of claim 28 wherein the flexible curved portions are u-shaped.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
12 words
The stent of claim 27 wherein the flexible curved portions are u-shaped.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
25 words
The stent of claim 1 wherein the curved apices of a pair of facing loops are generally aligned along the longitudinal axis of the stent.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
12 words
The stent of claim 31 wherein the flexible curved portions are u-shaped.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
12 words
The stent of claim 1 wherein the flexible curved portions are u-shaped.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
30 words
The stent of claim 2 wherein the stent is adapted to be positioned on a balloon which upon expansion causes the stent to expand to hold open the blood vessel.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
The stent of claim 2 , in which the expanded stent has approximately the same longitudinal length as the stent had prior to expansion.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
17 words
The stent of claim 2 wherein the mesh is comprised of a metal which is balloon expandable.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
12 words
The stent of claim 2 wherein the flexible curved portions are u-shaped.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
25 words
The stent of claim 2 wherein the curved apices of a pair of facing loops are generally aligned along the longitudinal axis of the stent.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
273 words
A balloon expandable stent suitable for implantation into a lumen for expansion to support the lumen, said stent made of a unitary piece of metal and said stent in both the unexpanded and in the balloon-expanded state including: a plurality of flexible cells adjacent to one another both circumferentially and longitudinally, each of said flexible cells comprising: a) a first member having a first end and a second end; b) a second member having a first end and a second end; c) a third member having a first end and a second end; d) a fourth member having a first end and a second end; e) a first loop defining a first angle disposed between said first end of said first member and said first end of said second member; f) a second loop defining a second angle disposed between said second end of said third member and said second end of said fourth member; g) a first flexible link, including an arc, said first flexible link disposed between said second end of said first member and said first end of said third member; and h) a second flexible link, including an arc, said second flexible link disposed between said second end of said second member and said first end of said fourth member, wherein each of at least two members of said first, second, third and fourth members in each of said cells is also a first, second, third or fourth member of a longitudinally adjacent flexible cell, and wherein in the expanded state the first, second, third, and fourth members have a substantial longitudinal component to provide coverage of the lumen.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
273 words
A balloon expandable stent suitable for implantation into a lumen for expansion to support the lumen, said stent made of a unitary piece of metal and said stent in both the unexpanded and in the balloon-expanded state including: a plurality of flexible cells adjacent to one another both circumferentially and longitudinally, each of said flexible cells comprising: a) a first member having a first end and a second end; b) a second member having a first end and a second end; c) a third member having a first end and a second end; d) a fourth member having a first end and a second end; e) a first loop defining a first angle disposed between said first end of said first member and said first end of said second member; f) a second loop defining a second angle disposed between said second end of said third member and said second end of said fourth member; g) a first flexible link, including an arc, said first flexible link disposed between said second end of said first member and said first end of said third member; and h) a second flexible link, including an arc, said second flexible link disposed between said second end of said second member and said first end of said fourth member, wherein each of at least two members of said first, second, third and fourth members in each of said cells is also a first, second, third or fourth member of a longitudinally adjacent flexible cell, and wherein in the expanded state the first, second, third, and fourth members have a substantial longitudinal component to provide coverage of the lumen.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
46 words
A stent according to claim 39 , wherein in the unexpanded state a radial plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stent can pass through the flexible links of the flexible cells and not pass through any of said first, second, third, or fourth members.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
27 words
A stent according to claim 40 , wherein the first and second loops are aligned with respect to each other along the longitudinal axis of the stent.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
15 words
A stent according to claim 40 , wherein the stent is provided with a coating.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
16 words
A stent according to claim 40 with at least five cells circumferentially adjacent to each other.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
49 words
A stent according to claim 40 , wherein the first members of circumferentially adjacent cells are connected in a closed circumferential structure which contains at least five loops and the second members of circumferentially adjacent cells are connected in a closed circumferential structure which contains at least five loops.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
32 words
A stent according to claim 40 where in each of said first and second flexible links has ends generally aligned with respect to each other along a longitudinal axis of the stent.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
A stent according to claim 40 wherein said plurality of flexible cells provide substantially all the support for said stent.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
16 words
A stent according to claim 39 with at least five cells circumferentially adjacent to each other.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
15 words
A stent according to claim 47 , wherein the stent is provided with a coating.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
49 words
A stent according to claim 39 , wherein the first members of circumferentially adjacent cells are connected in a closed circumferential structure which contains at least five loops and the second members of circumferentially adjacent cells are connected in a closed circumferential structure which contains at least five loops.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
15 words
A stent according to claim 49 , wherein the stent is provided with a coating.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
31 words
A stent according to claim 39 wherein each of said first and second flexible links has ends generally aligned with respect to each other along a longitudinal axis of the stent.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
20 words
A stent according to claim 39 wherein said plurality of flexible cells provide substantially all the support for said stent.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
15 words
A stent according to claim 39 , wherein the stent is provided with a coating.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
295 words
A balloon expandable stent suitable for implantation into a lumen for expansion to support the lumen, said stent made of a unitary piece of metal and said stent in both the unexpanded and in the balloon-expanded state including: a plurality of flexible cells adjacent to one another both circumferentially and longitudinally, each of said flexible cells comprising: a) a first member having a first end and a second end; b) a second member having a first end and a second end, c) a third member having a first end and a second end; d) a fourth member having a first end and a second end, e) a first loop defining a first angle disposed between said first end of said first member and said first end of said second member; f) a second loop defining a second angle disposed between said second end of said third member and said second end of said fourth member; g) a first flexible link including an arc, said first flexible link disposed between said second end of said first member and said first end of said third member; and h) a second flexible link including an arc, said second flexible link disposed between said second end of said second member and said first end of said fourth member, wherein each of at least two members of said first, second, third and fourth members in each of said cells is also a first, second, third or fourth member of a longitudinally adjacent flexible cell, and wherein said plurality of connected cells imparts radial strength to said stent and provides coverage of the surface of said lumen in an amount sufficient to support said lumen after said stent is expanded by a balloon from a delivery diameter to a deployment diameter.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
295 words
A balloon expandable stent suitable for implantation into a lumen for expansion to support the lumen, said stent made of a unitary piece of metal and said stent in both the unexpanded and in the balloon-expanded state including: a plurality of flexible cells adjacent to one another both circumferentially and longitudinally, each of said flexible cells comprising: a) a first member having a first end and a second end; b) a second member having a first end and a second end, c) a third member having a first end and a second end; d) a fourth member having a first end and a second end, e) a first loop defining a first angle disposed between said first end of said first member and said first end of said second member; f) a second loop defining a second angle disposed between said second end of said third member and said second end of said fourth member; g) a first flexible link including an arc, said first flexible link disposed between said second end of said first member and said first end of said third member; and h) a second flexible link including an arc, said second flexible link disposed between said second end of said second member and said first end of said fourth member, wherein each of at least two members of said first, second, third and fourth members in each of said cells is also a first, second, third or fourth member of a longitudinally adjacent flexible cell, and wherein said plurality of connected cells imparts radial strength to said stent and provides coverage of the surface of said lumen in an amount sufficient to support said lumen after said stent is expanded by a balloon from a delivery diameter to a deployment diameter.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
46 words
A stent according to claim 54 , wherein in the unexpanded state a radial plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stent can pass through the flexible links of the flexible cells and not pass through any of said first, second, third, or fourth members.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
216 words
A balloon expandable stent for implantation into a lumen to support the lumen, said stent both in the unexpanded state and in the balloon-expanded state including: a plurality of flexible cells adjacent to one another both circumferentially and longitudinally each of said flexible cells comprising: a) a first flexible link including an arc, the first flexible link having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end; b) a second flexible link including an arc, the second flexible link having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end; c) a first circumferential member disposed between said first longitudinal end of said first flexible link and said first longitudinal end of said second flexible link and; d) a second circumferential member disposed between said second longitudinal end of said first flexible link and said second longitudinal end of said second flexible link, e) at least one of said first circumferential member and said second circumferential member in each of said cells having a portion with a substantial longitudinal component that is also a portion with a substantial longitudinal component of a first circumferential member or a second circumferential member in a longitudinally adjacent cell, wherein in the expanded state the first and second circumferential members have a substantial longitudinal component to provide coverage of the lumen.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
216 words
A balloon expandable stent for implantation into a lumen to support the lumen, said stent both in the unexpanded state and in the balloon-expanded state including: a plurality of flexible cells adjacent to one another both circumferentially and longitudinally each of said flexible cells comprising: a) a first flexible link including an arc, the first flexible link having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end; b) a second flexible link including an arc, the second flexible link having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end; c) a first circumferential member disposed between said first longitudinal end of said first flexible link and said first longitudinal end of said second flexible link and; d) a second circumferential member disposed between said second longitudinal end of said first flexible link and said second longitudinal end of said second flexible link, e) at least one of said first circumferential member and said second circumferential member in each of said cells having a portion with a substantial longitudinal component that is also a portion with a substantial longitudinal component of a first circumferential member or a second circumferential member in a longitudinally adjacent cell, wherein in the expanded state the first and second circumferential members have a substantial longitudinal component to provide coverage of the lumen.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
37 words
A stent according to claim 56 , wherein in the unexpanded state, a radial plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis can pass through the flexible links of the flexible cells and not pass through the circumferential members.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
31 words
A stent according to claim 56 wherein each of said first and second flexible links has ends generally aligned with respect to each other along a longitudinal axis of the stent.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
16 words
A stent according to claim 56 with at least five cells circumferentially adjacent to each other.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
14 words
A stent according to claim 59 wherein the, stent is provided with a coating.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
49 words
A stent according to claim 56 , wherein the first members of circumferentially adjacent cells are connected in a closed circumferential structure which contains at least five loops and the second members of circumferentially adjacent cells are connected in a closed circumferential structure which contains at least five loops.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
14 words
A stent according to claim 61 wherein the stent is provided with a coating.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
20 words
A stent according to claim 56 wherein said plurality of flexible cells provide substantially all the support for said stent.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
15 words
A stent according to claim 56 , wherein the stent is provided with a coating.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
241 words
A balloon expandable stent for implantation into a lumen to support the lumen, said stent both in the unexpanded state and in the balloon-expanded state including: a plurality of flexible cells adjacent to one another both circumferentially and longitudinally each of said flexible adjacent cells comprising: a) a first flexible link including an arc, the first flexible link having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end; b) a second flexible link including an arc, the second flexible link having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end; c) a first circumferential member disposed between said first longitudinal end of said first flexible link and said first longitudinal end of said second flexible link and; d) a second circumferential member disposed between said second longitudinal end of said first flexible link and said second longitudinal end of said second flexible link, e) at least one of said first circumferential member and said second circumferential member in each of said cells having a portion with a substantial longitudinal component that is also a portion with a substantial longitudinal component of a first circumferential member or a second circumferential member in a longitudinally adjacent cell, f) wherein said plurality of connected flexible cells imparts radial strength to said stent and coverage of the surface of said lumen in an amount sufficient to support said lumen when said stent is expanded by a balloon from a delivery diameter to a deployment diameter.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
241 words
A balloon expandable stent for implantation into a lumen to support the lumen, said stent both in the unexpanded state and in the balloon-expanded state including: a plurality of flexible cells adjacent to one another both circumferentially and longitudinally each of said flexible adjacent cells comprising: a) a first flexible link including an arc, the first flexible link having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end; b) a second flexible link including an arc, the second flexible link having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end; c) a first circumferential member disposed between said first longitudinal end of said first flexible link and said first longitudinal end of said second flexible link and; d) a second circumferential member disposed between said second longitudinal end of said first flexible link and said second longitudinal end of said second flexible link, e) at least one of said first circumferential member and said second circumferential member in each of said cells having a portion with a substantial longitudinal component that is also a portion with a substantial longitudinal component of a first circumferential member or a second circumferential member in a longitudinally adjacent cell, f) wherein said plurality of connected flexible cells imparts radial strength to said stent and coverage of the surface of said lumen in an amount sufficient to support said lumen when said stent is expanded by a balloon from a delivery diameter to a deployment diameter.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
37 words
A stent according to claim 65 , wherein in the unexpanded state, a radial plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis can pass through the flexible links of the flexible cells and not pass through the circumferential members.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
16 words
A stent according to claim 65 with at least five cells circumferentially adjacent to each other.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
49 words
A stent according to claim 65 , wherein the first members of circumferentially adjacent cells are connected in a closed circumferential structure which contains at least five loops and the second members of circumferentially adjacent cells are connected in a closed circumferential structure which contains at least five loops.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
31 words
A stent according to claim 65 wherein each of said first and second flexible links has ends generally aligned with respect to each other along a longitudinal axis of the stent.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
20 words
A stent according to claim 65 wherein said plurality of flexible cells provide substantially all the support for said stent.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
15 words
A stent according to claim 65 , wherein the stent is provided with a coating.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
249 words
A balloon expandable stent suitable for implantation into a lumen to support the lumen, wherein both in the unexpanded state and in the balloon-expanded state, the stent comprises a plurality of flexible cells adjacent to one another both circumferentially and longitudinally each of said flexible cells comprising: a) a first member having a first end and a second end; b) a second member having a first end and a second end, c) a third member having a first end and a second end; d) a fourth member having a first end and a second end; e) a first loop defining a first angle disposed between said first end of said first member and said first end of said second member; f) a second loop defining a second angle disposed between said second end of said third member and said second end of said fourth member; g) a first flexible link, including an arc, said first flexible link disposed between said first member and said third member; and h) a second flexible link, including an arc, said second flexible link disposed between said second member and said fourth member, wherein each of at least two members of said first, second, third and fourth members in each of said cells is also a first, second, third or fourth member of a longitudinally adjacent flexible cell, and wherein in the expanded state each of the first, second, third, and fourth members has a substantial longitudinal component to provide coverage of the lumen.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
249 words
A balloon expandable stent suitable for implantation into a lumen to support the lumen, wherein both in the unexpanded state and in the balloon-expanded state, the stent comprises a plurality of flexible cells adjacent to one another both circumferentially and longitudinally each of said flexible cells comprising: a) a first member having a first end and a second end; b) a second member having a first end and a second end, c) a third member having a first end and a second end; d) a fourth member having a first end and a second end; e) a first loop defining a first angle disposed between said first end of said first member and said first end of said second member; f) a second loop defining a second angle disposed between said second end of said third member and said second end of said fourth member; g) a first flexible link, including an arc, said first flexible link disposed between said first member and said third member; and h) a second flexible link, including an arc, said second flexible link disposed between said second member and said fourth member, wherein each of at least two members of said first, second, third and fourth members in each of said cells is also a first, second, third or fourth member of a longitudinally adjacent flexible cell, and wherein in the expanded state each of the first, second, third, and fourth members has a substantial longitudinal component to provide coverage of the lumen.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
37 words
A stent according to claim 72 , wherein in the unexpanded state, a radial plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis can pass through the flexible links of the flexible cells and not pass through the circumferential members.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
25 words
A stent according to claim 73 , wherein at least five first loops and five second loops are located around the circumference of the stent.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
30 words
A stent according to claim 73 , wherein the first flexible link is attached at the second end of the first member and the first end of the third member.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
30 words
A stent according to claim 73 , wherein the second flexible link is attached at the second end of the second member and the first end of the fourth member.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
25 words
A stent according to claim 72 , wherein at least five first loops and five second loops are located around the circumference of the stent.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
30 words
A stent according to claim 72 , wherein the first flexible link is attached at the second end of the first member and the first end of the third member.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
30 words
A stent according to claim 72 , wherein the second flexible link is attached at the second end of the second member and the first end of the fourth member.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
16 words
A stent according to claim 72 with at least five cells circumferentially adjacent to each other.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
31 words
A stent according to claim 72 wherein each of said first and second flexible links has ends generally aligned with respect to each other along a longitudinal axis of the stent.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
20 words
A stent according to claim 72 wherein said plurality of flexible cells provides substantially all the support for said stent.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
14 words
A stent according to claim 72 wherein the stent is provided with a coating.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US5102417A
Cited
US4739762A
Cited
US4733665C2
Cited
US4733665A
Cited
US4739762B1
Cited
US4733665B1
Cited
US4922905A
Cited
US4762128A
Cited
US4800882A
Cited
US4969458A
Cited
US4886062A
Cited
US5653727A
Cited
US5133732A
Cited
EP0335341B1
Cited
US4830003A
Cited
US5019090A
Cited
US5195984A
Cited
US5019085A
Cited
US4950227A
Cited
US4856516A
Cited
US4994071A
Cited
US5292331A
Cited
US5104404A
Cited
US5035706A
Cited
US5158548A
Cited
US5282824A
Cited
US5330500A
Cited
US5161547A
Cited
EP0566807A1
Cited
US5116365A
Cited
US5314472A
Cited
US5354309A
Cited
EP0540290A2
Cited
US5421955B1
Cited
US5421955A
Cited
US5383892A
Cited
EP0541443A1
Cited
US5507767A
Cited
US5405377A
Cited
US5443496A
Cited
US5651174A
Cited
US5354308A
Cited
US5540712A
Cited
EP0606165A1
Cited
US5441515A
Cited
US5649952A
Cited
US5879370A
Cited
US5643312A
Cited
US5449373A
Cited
US5733303A
Cited
US5843120A
Cited
US5972018A
Cited
US5554181A
Cited
US5514093A
Cited
WO1995031945A1
Cited
WO1996003092A1
Cited
US6156052A
Cited
US5593442A
Cited
US6193747B1
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-10-07 | 2006-04-08 | 2006-10-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-10-07 | 2010-04-08 | 2010-10-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-10-07 | 2014-04-08 | 2014-10-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |