US6712842B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Methods and devices for lining a blood vessel and opening a narrowed region of a blood vessel
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 2000-03-09
•
Granted: 2004-03-30
•
Expires: 2020-03-09
Abstract
Abstract A liner is advanced through a narrowed region in a vessel such as the internal carotid artery. The liner is advanced through the narrowed region in a collapsed position. A stent is then advanced through the liner and expanded to open the narrowed region. The liner may also have an anchor which expands an end of the liner before the stent is introduced.
Inventors
- 👤 Hanson S. Gifford, III
- 👤 Ivan Sepetka
- 👤 Mark E. Deem
- 👤 Douglas S. Sutton
- 👤 Allan R. Will
- 👤 Martin S. Dieck
- 👤 Sunmi Chew
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:40
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/04; A61F2/06; A61F2/07; A61F2/95; A61F2/958; A61F2/962; A61F2/97; A61F2/0095; A61F2/82; A61F2/86; A61F2/90; A61F2/966; A61F2/01; A61F2002/018; A61F2002/072; A61F2002/075; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0002; A61F2230/0004; A61F2230/0006; A61F2230/0063; A61F2230/0067; A61F2230/0069; A61F2230/0073; A61F2230/0078; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0058; A61F2250/0096; A61F2250/0098
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 97
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
A device for lining a vessel, comprising: an expandable anchor movable from a collapsed shape to an expanded shape; a liner attached to the anchor and extending from an end of the anchor; an inner layer, the liner being mounted over the inner layer; an outer layer extending over the liner and the anchor, the outer layer being retracted to expose the liner when the outer layer is moved proximally relative to the inner layer; and a radiopaque coil extending beyond the distal end of the liner and the inner and outer layers, the radiopague coil also being positioned at least partially between the inner and outer layers.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
108 words
A device for lining a vessel, comprising: an expandable anchor movable from a collapsed shape to an expanded shape; a liner attached to the anchor and extending from an end of the anchor; an inner layer, the liner being mounted over the inner layer; an outer layer extending over the liner and the anchor, the outer layer being retracted to expose the liner when the outer layer is moved proximally relative to the inner layer; and a radiopaque coil extending beyond the distal end of the liner and the inner and outer layers, the radiopague coil also being positioned at least partially between the inner and outer layers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 1 wherein: the outer layer holds the anchor in the collapsed position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 1 wherein: the outer layer has a thickness of 0.0005-0.002 inch.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 1 wherein: the outer layer stretches over a tapered portion, the outer layer stretching as it passes over the tapered portion when the outer layer is moved proximally relative to the inner layer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 1 further comprising: an inner element positioned beneath the liner and the anchor, the inner layer being attached to the inner element.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 5 , wherein: the inner layer has a thickness of 0.0005-0.002 inch.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 1 wherein: the outer layer has a diameter of no more than 0.055 inch when in the collapsed position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 1 wherein: the outer layer has a diameter of no more than 0.050 inch when in the collapsed position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 1 wherein: the outer layer applies a compressive force to the liner to hold the liner in the collapsed position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
45 words
The device of claim 1 wherein: the outer layer lies directly over the anchor and holds the anchor in the collapsed position, the outer layer being retracted by an outer element to expose the anchor and permit the anchor to move to the expanded position.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 1 wherein: the liner is collapsed by forming a number of folds.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 1 wherein: the liner is made of expanded PTFE.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
45 words
The device of claim 1 wherein: the inner and outer layers extend beyond a distal end of the liner, the outer layer tapering distally and being flexible enough to expand over the tapered section when the outer layer is retracted relative to the inner layer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device of claim 1 wherein: the inner liner is attached to an inner element, the inner element engaging the anchor to hold the anchor when the outer layer is retracted relative to the inner layer.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 14 , wherein: the inner element is spiral cut at a distal end.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 15 , wherein: the inner element has a lumen for receiving a guidewire, the lumen having a diameter of 0.015-0.25 inch.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 1 wherein: the anchor has a length of less than 15 mm when collapsed.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
144 words
A method of lining a vessel, comprising the steps of: providing an expandable anchor, a liner, an inner layer, and an outer layer, the anchor and liner being movable from a collapsed shape to an expanded shape, the liner being attached to the anchor and extending from an end of the anchor, the outer layer being slidable relative to the inner layer, the outer layer extending over the liner and the anchor in the collapsed position, the radiopaque coil extending beyond the distal end of the liner and the inner and outer layers, the radiopaque coil being positioned at least partially between the inner and outer layers; advancing a medical device to a treatment site; retracting the outer layer to expose the liner and the anchor to permit the anchor to expand; and advancing the medical device into the liner after the retracting step.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
144 words
A method of lining a vessel, comprising the steps of: providing an expandable anchor, a liner, an inner layer, and an outer layer, the anchor and liner being movable from a collapsed shape to an expanded shape, the liner being attached to the anchor and extending from an end of the anchor, the outer layer being slidable relative to the inner layer, the outer layer extending over the liner and the anchor in the collapsed position, the radiopaque coil extending beyond the distal end of the liner and the inner and outer layers, the radiopaque coil being positioned at least partially between the inner and outer layers; advancing a medical device to a treatment site; retracting the outer layer to expose the liner and the anchor to permit the anchor to expand; and advancing the medical device into the liner after the retracting step.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 18 wherein: the providing step is carried out with the outer layer holding the anchor and the liner in the collapsed position.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 18 wherein: the providing step is carried out with the outer layer having a thickness of 0.0005-0.002 inch.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 18 wherein: the providing step is carried out with the outer layer having a tapered portion when the anchor is in the collapsed position; and the retracting step is carried out with the outer layer stretching over the tapered portion as it passes over the tapered portion.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 21 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the inner layer having a thickness of 0.0005-0.002 inch.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 18 wherein: the providing step is carried out with the outer layer having a diameter of no more than 0.050 inch when in the collapsed position.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 18 wherein: the providing step is carried out with the outer layer having a diameter of no more than 0.045 inch when in the collapsed position.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 18 wherein: the providing step is carried out with the outer layer lying directly over the anchor to hold the anchor in the collapsed position; the retracting step being carried out so that the outer layer is retracted to expose the anchor and permit the anchor to expand.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 18 wherein: the providing step is carried out with the liner collapsed by forming a number of folds which are folded around one another.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 18 wherein: the providing step is carried out with the liner being made of expanded PTFE.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 18 , wherein: the advancing step is carried out with the medical device being a medical device selected from the group consisting of a stent, an angioplasty balloon, a filter, a drug delivery device, and an atherectomy device.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 18 wherein: the providing step is carried out with the inner layer being attached to an inner element; and the retracting step is carried out with the inner element contacting the anchor to hold the anchor in place while retracting the outer layer.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 29 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the inner element having a lumen for receiving a guidewire, the lumen having a diameter of 0.015-0.25 inch.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 18 wherein: the providing step is carried out with the outer layer attached to an outer element; and the retracting step is carried out with the outer element being retracted with the outer layer.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 18 wherein: the providing step is carried out with the anchor having a length of less than 15 mm when collapsed.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
113 words
A method of opening a narrowed region in a blood vessel, comprising the steps of: providing a liner movable from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition; advancing the liner to a narrowed region of a blood vessel with the liner in the collapsed position; passing at least a portion of the liner through the narrowed region of the blood vessel in the collapsed position; moving a stent into the liner after the passing step so that the stent is also positioned in the narrowed region of the blood vessel; and expanding the stent after the moving step so that the stent expands the liner and opens the narrowed region of the vessel.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
113 words
A method of opening a narrowed region in a blood vessel, comprising the steps of: providing a liner movable from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition; advancing the liner to a narrowed region of a blood vessel with the liner in the collapsed position; passing at least a portion of the liner through the narrowed region of the blood vessel in the collapsed position; moving a stent into the liner after the passing step so that the stent is also positioned in the narrowed region of the blood vessel; and expanding the stent after the moving step so that the stent expands the liner and opens the narrowed region of the vessel.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein: the advancing and passing steps are carried out with the blood vessel being a vessel selected from the group comprising the internal carotid artery and saphenous vein graft.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 33 , further comprising the step of: expanding at least part of the liner before expanding the stent.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
148 words
A device for lining a vessel, comprising: An expandable anchor movable from a collapsed shape to an expanded shape; a liner attached to the anchor and extending from an end of the anchor; an inner layer, the liner being mounted over the inner layer; and an outer layer extending over the liner and the anchor, the outer layer being retracted to expose the liner when the outer layer is moved proximally relative to the inner layer, the outer layer stretching over a tapered portion, the outer layer stretching as it passes over the tapered portion when the outer layer is moved proximally relative to the inner layer; wherein the inner layer is attached to an inner element, the inner element engaging the anchor to hold the anchor when the outer layer is retracted relative to the inner layer, the inner element being spiral cut at a distal end.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
148 words
A device for lining a vessel, comprising: An expandable anchor movable from a collapsed shape to an expanded shape; a liner attached to the anchor and extending from an end of the anchor; an inner layer, the liner being mounted over the inner layer; and an outer layer extending over the liner and the anchor, the outer layer being retracted to expose the liner when the outer layer is moved proximally relative to the inner layer, the outer layer stretching over a tapered portion, the outer layer stretching as it passes over the tapered portion when the outer layer is moved proximally relative to the inner layer; wherein the inner layer is attached to an inner element, the inner element engaging the anchor to hold the anchor when the outer layer is retracted relative to the inner layer, the inner element being spiral cut at a distal end.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 36 wherein: the outer layer holds the anchor in the collapsed position.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 36 wherein: the outer layer has a thickness of 0.0005-0.002 inch.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 36 further comprising: an inner element positioned beneath the liner and the anchor, the inner layer being attached to the inner element.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 39 wherein: the inner layer has a thickness of 0.0005-0.002 inch.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 36 wherein: the outer layer has a diameter of no more than 0.055 inch when in the collapsed position.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 36 wherein: the outer layer has a diameter of no more than 0.050 inch when in the collapsed position.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 36 wherein: the outer layer applies a compressive force to the liner to hold the liner in the collapsed position.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
45 words
The device of claim 36 wherein: the outer layer lies directly over the anchor and holds the anchor in the collapsed position, the outer layer being retracted by an outer element to expose the anchor and permit the anchor to move to the expanded position.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 36 wherein: the liner is collapsed by forming a number of folds.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 36 wherein: the liner is made of expanded PTFE.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 36 further comprising: radiopaque coil extending beyond the distal end of the liner and being positioned at least partially between the inner and outer layers.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 47 , wherein: the radiopaque coil extends beyond the distal end of the inner and outer layers.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
46 words
The device of claim 36 , wherein: the inner and outer layers extend beyond a distal end of the liner, the outer layer tapering distally and being flexible enough to expand over the tapered section when the outer layer is retracted relative to the inner layer.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 36 , wherein: the inner element has a lumen for receiving a guidewire, the lumen having a diameter of 0.015-0.25 inch.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 36 , wherein: the anchor has a length of less than 15 mm when collapsed.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
156 words
A device for lining a vessel, comprising: an expandable anchor movable from a collapsed shape to an expanded shape; a liner attached to the anchor and extending from an end of the anchor; an inner layer, the liner being mounted over the inner layer; and an outer layer extending over the liner and the anchor, the outer layer being retracted to expose the liner when the outer layer is moved proximally relative to the inner layer, the inner and outer layers extending beyond a distal end of the liner, the outer layer tapering distally and being flexible enough to expand over the tapered section when the outer layer is retracted relative to the inner layer; wherein the inner layer is attached to an inner element, the inner element engaging the anchor to hold the anchor when the outer layer is retracted relative to the inner layer, the inner element being spiral cut at a distal end.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
156 words
A device for lining a vessel, comprising: an expandable anchor movable from a collapsed shape to an expanded shape; a liner attached to the anchor and extending from an end of the anchor; an inner layer, the liner being mounted over the inner layer; and an outer layer extending over the liner and the anchor, the outer layer being retracted to expose the liner when the outer layer is moved proximally relative to the inner layer, the inner and outer layers extending beyond a distal end of the liner, the outer layer tapering distally and being flexible enough to expand over the tapered section when the outer layer is retracted relative to the inner layer; wherein the inner layer is attached to an inner element, the inner element engaging the anchor to hold the anchor when the outer layer is retracted relative to the inner layer, the inner element being spiral cut at a distal end.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 52 , wherein: the outer layer holds the anchor in the collapsed position.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 52 , wherein: the outer layer has a thickness of 0.0005-0.002 inch.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 52 , wherein: the outer layer stretches over a tapered portion, the outer layer stretching as it passes over the tapered portion when the outer layer is moved proximally relative to the inner layer.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 52 , further comprising: an inner element positioned beneath the liner and the anchor, the inner layer being attached to the inner element.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 56 , wherein: the inner layer has a thickness of 0.0005-0.002 inch.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 52 , wherein: the outer layer has a diameter of no more than 0.055 inch when in the collapsed position.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 52 , wherein: the outer layer has a diameter of no more than 0.050 inch when in the collapsed position.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 52 , wherein: the outer layer applies a compressive force to the liner to hold the liner in the collapsed position.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
46 words
The device of claim 52 , wherein: the outer layer lies directly over the anchor and holds the anchor in the collapsed position, the outer layer being retracted by an outer element to expose the anchor and permit the anchor to move to the expanded position.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 52 , wherein: the liner is collapsed by forming a number of folds.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 52 , wherein: the liner is made of expanded PTFE.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 52 , further comprising: a radiopaque coil extending beyond the distal end of the liner and being positioned at least partially between the inner and outer layers.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 64 , wherein: the radiopaque coil extends beyond the distal end of the inner and outer layers.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 52 , wherein: the inner element has a lumen for receiving a guidewire, the lumen having a diameter of 0.015-0.25 inch.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 52 , wherein: the anchor has a length of less than 15 mm when collapsed.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
115 words
A device for lining a vessel, comprising: an expandable anchor movable from a collapsed shape to an expanded shape; a liner attached to the anchor and extending from an end of the anchor; an inner layer, the liner being mounted over the inner layer; an outer layer extending over the liner and the anchor, the outer layer being retracted to expose the liner when the outer layer is moved proximally relative to the inner layer; and an inner element attached to the inner layer, the inner element engaging the anchor to hold the anchor when the outer layer is retracted relative to the inner layer, the inner element being spiral cut at a distal end.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
115 words
A device for lining a vessel, comprising: an expandable anchor movable from a collapsed shape to an expanded shape; a liner attached to the anchor and extending from an end of the anchor; an inner layer, the liner being mounted over the inner layer; an outer layer extending over the liner and the anchor, the outer layer being retracted to expose the liner when the outer layer is moved proximally relative to the inner layer; and an inner element attached to the inner layer, the inner element engaging the anchor to hold the anchor when the outer layer is retracted relative to the inner layer, the inner element being spiral cut at a distal end.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 68 , wherein: the outer layer holds the anchor in the collapsed position.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 68 , wherein: the outer layer has a thickness of 0.0005-0.002 inch.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 68 , wherein: the outer layer stretches over a tapered portion, the outer layer stretching as it passes over the tapered portion when the outer layer is moved proximally relative to the inner layer.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 68 , wherein: the inner layer has a thickness of 0.0005-0.002 inch.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 68 , wherein: the outer layer has a diameter of no more than 0.055 inch when in the collapsed position.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 68 , wherein: the outer layer has a diameter of no more than 0.050 inch when in the collapsed position.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 68 , wherein: the outer layer applies a compressive force to the liner to hold the liner in the collapsed position.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
46 words
The device of claim 68 , wherein: the outer layer lies directly over the anchor and holds the anchor in the collapsed position, the outer layer being retracted by an outer element to expose the anchor and permit the anchor to move to the expanded position.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 68 , wherein: the liner is collapsed by forming a number of folds.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 68 , wherein: the liner is made of expanded PTFE.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 68 , further comprising: a radiopaque coil extending beyond the distal end of the liner and being positioned at least partially between the inner and outer layers.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 79 , wherein: the radiopaque coil extends beyond the distal end of the inner and outer layers.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
46 words
The device of claim 68 , wherein: the inner and outer layers extend beyond a distal end of the liner, the outer layer tapering distally and being flexible enough to expand over the tapered section when the outer layer is retracted relative to the inner layer.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 68 , wherein: the inner element has a lumen for receiving a guidewire, the lumen having a diameter of 0.015-0.25 inch.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 68 , wherein: the anchor has a length of less than 15 mm when collapsed.
Claim 90
Independent Claim
141 words
A device for lining a vessel, comprising: an expandable anchor movable from a collapsed shape to an expanded shape; a liner attached to the anchor and extending from an end of the anchor; an inner layer, the liner being mounted over the inner layer; an outer layer extending over the liner and the anchor, the outer layer being retracted to expose the liner when the outer layer is moved proximally relative to the inner layer; and a radiopaque coil extending beyond the distal end of the liner and also being positioned at least partially between the inner and outer layers, wherein the inner liner is attached to an inner element, the inner element engaging the anchor to hold the anchor when the outer layer is retracted relative to the inner layer, the inner element being spiral cut at a distal end.
Claim 91
Independent Claim
141 words
A device for lining a vessel, comprising: an expandable anchor movable from a collapsed shape to an expanded shape; a liner attached to the anchor and extending from an end of the anchor; an inner layer, the liner being mounted over the inner layer; an outer layer extending over the liner and the anchor, the outer layer being retracted to expose the liner when the outer layer is moved proximally relative to the inner layer; and a radiopaque coil extending beyond the distal end of the liner and also being positioned at least partially between the inner and outer layers, wherein the inner liner is attached to an inner element, the inner element engaging the anchor to hold the anchor when the outer layer is retracted relative to the inner layer, the inner element being spiral cut at a distal end.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 84 , wherein: the inner element has a lumen for receiving a guidewire, the lumen having a diameter of 0.015-0.25 inch.
Claim 93
Independent Claim
130 words
A device for lining a vessel, comprising: an expandable anchor movable from a collapsed shape to an expanded shape; a liner attached to the anchor and extending from an end of the anchor; an inner layer, the liner being mounted over the inner layer; an outer layer extending over the liner and the anchor, the outer layer being retracted to expose the liner when the outer layer is moved proximally relative to the inner layer, the outer layer stretching over a tapered portion, the outer layer stretching as it passes over the tapered portion when the outer layer is moved proximally relative to the inner layer; and a radiopaque coil extending beyond the distal end of the liner and being positioned at least partially between the inner and outer layers.
Claim 94
Independent Claim
130 words
A device for lining a vessel, comprising: an expandable anchor movable from a collapsed shape to an expanded shape; a liner attached to the anchor and extending from an end of the anchor; an inner layer, the liner being mounted over the inner layer; an outer layer extending over the liner and the anchor, the outer layer being retracted to expose the liner when the outer layer is moved proximally relative to the inner layer, the outer layer stretching over a tapered portion, the outer layer stretching as it passes over the tapered portion when the outer layer is moved proximally relative to the inner layer; and a radiopaque coil extending beyond the distal end of the liner and being positioned at least partially between the inner and outer layers.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 86 , wherein: the radiopaque coil extends beyond the distal end of the inner and outer layers.
Claim 96
Independent Claim
125 words
A device for lining a vessel, comprising: an expandable anchor movable from a collapsed shape to an expanded shape; a liner attached to the anchor and extending from an end of the anchor; an inner layer, the liner being mounted over the inner layer, the inner element being spiral cut at a distal end; and an outer layer extending over the liner and the anchor, the outer layer being retracted to expose the liner when the outer layer is moved proximally relative to the inner layer, the inner and outer layers extending beyond a distal end of the liner, the outer layer tapering distally and being flexible enough to expand over the tapered section when the outer layer is retracted relative to the inner layer.
Claim 97
Independent Claim
125 words
A device for lining a vessel, comprising: an expandable anchor movable from a collapsed shape to an expanded shape; a liner attached to the anchor and extending from an end of the anchor; an inner layer, the liner being mounted over the inner layer, the inner element being spiral cut at a distal end; and an outer layer extending over the liner and the anchor, the outer layer being retracted to expose the liner when the outer layer is moved proximally relative to the inner layer, the inner and outer layers extending beyond a distal end of the liner, the outer layer tapering distally and being flexible enough to expand over the tapered section when the outer layer is retracted relative to the inner layer.
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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) | 2007-03-30 | 2007-09-29 | 2008-03-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-03-30 | 2011-09-29 | 2012-03-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-03-30 | 2015-09-29 | 2016-03-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |