The present invention relates to an implant, comprising a base stent having a tubular shape and surrounding a lumen, the base stent comprising a first section having helical turns, wherein adjacent helical turns are connected to each other by connectors that extend between adjacent helical turns and that limit movement of the adjacent helical turns relative to each other, wherein the helical turns comprise struts that are connected in a zig-zag pattern, with individual struts being connected at apices, wherein the shape that is defined by the inner apices of two axially adjacent helical turns and by two connectors that are adjacent to one another has, in the unconstrained state of the implant, at a position between the two connectors delimiting it, a longer first axial dimension than a second axial dimensions at the positions of the two connectors.
A61F 2/915 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
The present invention relates to a puncture device that is arranged for being advanced to a puncture site through the human vasculature, the puncture device comprising: a puncture means, the puncture means comprising a distal end that is arranged for creating a puncture in a patient's tissue, a sheath, the sheath being arranged so as to surround the puncture means, the puncture means being slidably arranged inside the sheath, a tissue expansion means, the tissue expansion means being arranged so that it can be selectively activated, wherein in the activated state, the tissue expansion means pushes away the patient's tissue to thereby allow a re-orientation of the puncture means.
A61B 17/00 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
3.
Access Kit for Creating a Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS)
Access kit for creating a TIPS shunt, comprising: a needle for puncturing diseased liver tissue, the needle comprising a first and a second lumen extending longitudinally through the needle, the needle having a first longitudinal end arranged for puncturing tissue and a second longitudinal end arranged for manipulation by a user, one or more stylets, the stylets being suitable for being advanced through the first lumen, wherein the needle and the one or more stylets are arranged so that, as one of the one or more stylets is advanced through the first lumen, the curvature of the needle changes.
The invention relates to a TIPS stent graft, comprising: a hollow stent graft body, the stent body having a lumen extending between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end to let fluid pass through the stent graft body from the first longitudinal end to the second longitudinal end, the lumen comprising at least two sublumens which are separated from one another, each of the sublumens extending from the first longitudinal end to the second longitudinal end, each of the sublumens being capable of being blocked so as to reduce blood flow through the TIPS stent graft.
A61B 17/12 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods for ligaturing or otherwise compressing tubular parts of the body, e.g. blood vessels or umbilical cord
The present invention relates to a stent graft, comprising: a base stent having a first and a second longitudinal end, a lumen extending longitudinally through the base stent, a covering material provided so as to line the base stent, the base stent having a roughened surface that is at least partially penetrated by the covering material so as to form a positive fit.
The invention relates to a system for deploying an implant, optionally a TIPS stent graft, the system comprising a handle, a catheter extending from the handle, the catheter being arranged for holding an implant at an implant holding portion at a distal end of the catheter, an implant retaining sheath, the implant retaining sheath being arranged so as to surround the implant holding portion so as to retain an implant that is arranged at the implant holding portion, a pull tab, the pull tab being connected to the implant retaining sheath so that a proximal pull on the pull tab pulls back the implant retaining sheath so as to release an implant arranged at the implant holding portion, the pull tab further comprising a engagement feature that is arranged on the pull tab and that is moved proximally as the pull tab is moved proximally, the engagement feature being arranged to engage with a first interference feature arranged at a first fixed longitudinal position on the system for deploying the implant, wherein an engagement between the engagement feature and the first interference feature provides tactile feedback to a user of the system that the implant retaining sheath has been pulled back a pre-set distance.
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
7.
Method of Making a Highly Flexible Stent Graft and Stent Graft
The present invention relates to a method of making a highly flexible stent graft (100), the method comprising: providing a stent graft having a first and a second longitudinal end and a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, the stent graft comprising a base stent (10), the base stent having a first covering material (14) provided on the inside of the base stent so as to line the lumen and a second covering material (12) provided on the outside of the base stent, locally ablating the second covering material without puncturing the first covering material to thereby increase the flexibility of the stent graft.
The present invention relates to an implant for determining a pressure difference inside a bodily lumen, comprising: an implantable body, the implantable body comprising a first conductive element and a second conductive element, the first and second conductive elements being electrically insulated relative to each other, first and second pressure sensors, the first and second pressure sensors being arranged for measuring a pressure occurring inside the body, the first and second pressure sensors being arranged at different locations, wherein the first pressure sensor is arranged for sending the pressure to a remote read-out device by means of being coupled to the first conductive element, with the first conductive element serving as an antenna, and wherein the second pressure sensor is arranged for sending the pressure to a remote read-out device by means of being coupled to the second conductive element, with the second conductive element serving as an antenna.
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
A61B 5/0215 - Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels by means inserted into the body
A61F 2/88 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure the wire-like elements formed as helical or spiral coils
The present invention relates to an implant, comprising a base stent having a tubular shape and surrounding a lumen, the base stent comprising a first section having helical turns, wherein adjacent helical turns are connected to each other by connectors that extend between adjacent helical turns and that limit movement of the adjacent helical turns relative to each other, wherein the helical turns comprise struts that are connected in a zig-zag pattern, with individual struts being connected at apices, wherein the shape that is defined by the inner apices of two axially adjacent helical turns and by two connectors that are adjacent to one another has, in the unconstrained state of the implant, at a position between the two connectors delimiting it, a longer first axial dimension than a second axial dimensions at the positions of the two connectors.
A61F 2/89 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure the wire-like elements comprising two or more adjacent rings flexibly connected by separate members
A61F 2/88 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure the wire-like elements formed as helical or spiral coils
A61F 2/915 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
The present invention relates to a stent graft, comprising: a hollow stent graft body having a lumen extending from one end of the stent graft body to the respective other end of the stent graft body, an expandable reservoir provided on an interior of the stent graft body, the expandable reservoir being covered with a separation layer on a side of the expandable reservoir facing the lumen, the expandable reservoir being arranged so as to swell when exposed to blood, the separation layer being arranged to prevent the expandable reservoir from being exposed to blood flowing through the lumen, the separation layer being arranged so that it can selectively expose the expandable reservoir to blood to cause the expandable reservoir to swell.
The present invention relates to a puncture device that is arranged for being advanced to a puncture site through the human vasculature, the puncture device comprising: a puncture means, the puncture means comprising a distal end that is arranged for creating a puncture in a patient's tissue, a sheath, the sheath being arranged so as to surround the puncture means, the puncture means being slidably arranged inside the sheath, a tissue expansion means, the tissue expansion means being arranged so that it can be selectively activated, wherein in the activated state, the tissue expansion means pushes away the patient's tissue to thereby allow a re-orientation of the puncture means.
The present invention relates to a puncture device that is arranged for being advanced to a puncture site through the human vasculature, the puncture device comprising: a puncture means, the puncture means comprising a distal end that is arranged for creating a puncture in a patient's tissue, a sheath, the sheath being arranged so as to surround the puncture means, the puncture means being slidably arranged inside the sheath, a tissue expansion means, the tissue expansion means being arranged so that it can be selectively activated, wherein in the activated state, the tissue expansion means pushes away the patient's tissue to thereby allow a re-orientation of the puncture means.
Access kit for creating a TIPS shunt, comprising: a needle for puncturing diseased liver tissue, the needle comprising a first and a second lumen extending longitudinally through the needle, the needle having a first longitudinal end arranged for puncturing tissue and a second longitudinal end arranged for manipulation by a user, one or more stylets, the stylets being suitable for being advanced through the first lumen, wherein the needle and the one or more stylets are arranged so that, as one of the one or more stylets is advanced through the first lumen, the curvature of the needle changes.
The present invention relates to a vascular closure device, comprising a self-expanding tubular vascular closure element, a retaining element surrounding the vascular closure element, the retaining element being arranged to hold the vascular closure element in the lumen of the retaining element in a configuration where the vascular closure element is not fully self-expanded, a tether that is threaded through the lumen of the retaining element, the tether being arranged so that, upon application of a first force to the tether which is greater than a threshold force, the tether disintegrates the retaining element so as to allow the vascular closure element to freely expand. It also relates to a system for delivering such a vascular closure device and to a method of closing a vascular access hole using a corresponding device.
The present invention relates to a TIPS stent graft, comprising a tubular component having a lumen extending therethrough, the tubular component comprising a balloon expandable central section and a first and a second self-expanding section, the first and the second self-expanding section sandwiching the central section, the lumen extending through the first, central, and second sections, the stent graft being capable of selectively constricting the central section.
The present invention relates to a puncture device for creating a TIPS shunt, comprising a puncture needle, a sheath, the sheath being arranged to surround the puncture needle, the puncture needle being slidably arranged inside the sheath so that the puncture needle can be moved between a first position in which the puncture needle protrudes beyond the distal end of the sheath and a second position where a tip of the puncture needle is retracted into the sheath, the sheath and the puncture needle being arranged so that in the second position, blood can be aspirated into the sheath through a gap between the puncture needle and the sheath, a locking means, the locking means being arranged for releasably locking the puncture needle in the first and/or the second position.
A61B 17/11 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods for closing wounds or holding wounds closedAccessories for use therewith for performing anastomosisButtons for anastomosis
The present invention relates to a stent graft, comprising: a base stent having a first and a second longitudinal end, a lumen extending longitudinally through the base stent, a covering material provided so as to line the base stent, the base stent having a roughened surface that is at least partially penetrated by the covering material so as to form a positive fit.
A61F 2/00 - Filters implantable into blood vesselsProstheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the bodyAppliances for connecting them with the bodyDevices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
The present invention relates to a stent graft, comprising: a base stent having a first and a second longitudinal end, a lumen extending longitudinally through the base stent, a covering material provided so as to line the base stent, the base stent having a roughened surface that is at least partially penetrated by the covering material so as to form a positive fit.
A61F 2/00 - Filters implantable into blood vesselsProstheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the bodyAppliances for connecting them with the bodyDevices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
The present invention relates to a vascular closure device, comprising a self-expanding tubular vascular closure element, a retaining element surrounding the vascular closure element, the retaining element being arranged to hold the vascular closure element in the lumen of the retaining element in a configuration where the vascular closure element is not fully self-expanded, a tether that is threaded through the lumen of the retaining element, the tether being arranged so that, upon application of a first force to the tether which is greater than a threshold force, the tether disintegrates the retaining element so as to allow the vascular closure element to freely expand. It also relates to a system for delivering such a vascular closure device and to a method of closing a vascular access hole using a corresponding device.
The invention relates to a system for deploying an implant, optionally a TIPS stent graft, the system comprising a handle, a catheter extending from the handle, the catheter being arranged for holding an implant at an implant holding portion at a distal end of the catheter, an implant retaining sheath, the implant retaining sheath being arranged so as to surround the implant holding portion so as to retain an implant that is arranged at the implant holding portion, a pull tab, the pull tab being connected to the implant retaining sheath so that a proximal pull on the pull tab pulls back the implant retaining sheath so as to release an implant arranged at the implant holding portion, the pull tab further comprising a engagement feature that is arranged on the pull tab and that is moved proximally as the pull tab is moved proximally, the engagement feature being arranged to engage with a first interference feature arranged at a first fixed longitudinal position on the system for deploying the implant, wherein an engagement between the engagement feature and the first interference feature provides tactile feedback to a user of the system that the implant retaining sheath has been pulled back a pre-set distance.
The invention relates to a system for deploying an implant, optionally a TIPS stent graft, the system comprising a handle, a catheter extending from the handle, the catheter being arranged for holding an implant at an implant holding portion at a distal end of the catheter, an implant retaining sheath, the implant retaining sheath being arranged so as to surround the implant holding portion so as to retain an implant that is arranged at the implant holding portion, a pull tab, the pull tab being connected to the implant retaining sheath so that a proximal pull on the pull tab pulls back the implant retaining sheath so as to release an implant arranged at the implant holding portion, the pull tab further comprising a engagement feature that is arranged on the pull tab and that is moved proximally as the pull tab is moved proximally, the engagement feature being arranged to engage with a first interference feature arranged at a first fixed longitudinal position on the system for deploying the implant, wherein an engagement between the engagement feature and the first interference feature provides tactile feedback to a user of the system that the implant retaining sheath has been pulled back a pre-set distance.
The present invention relates to a puncture device for creating a TIPS shunt, comprising a puncture needle, a sheath, the sheath being arranged to surround the puncture needle, the puncture needle being slidably arranged inside the sheath so that the puncture needle can be moved between a first position in which the puncture needle protrudes beyond the distal end of the sheath and a second position where a tip of the puncture needle is retracted into the sheath, the sheath and the puncture needle being arranged so that in the second position, blood can be aspirated into the sheath through a gap between the puncture needle and the sheath, a locking means, the locking means being arranged for releasably locking the puncture needle in the first and/or the second position.
The present invention relates to a method of making a highly flexible stent graft (100), the method comprising: providing a stent graft having a first and a second longitudinal end and a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, the stent graft comprising a base stent (10), the base stent having a first covering material (14) provided on the inside of the base stent so as to line the lumen and a second covering material (12) provided on the outside of the base stent, locally ablating the second covering material without puncturing the first covering material to thereby increase the flexibility of the stent graft.
There is provided a catheter device for transluminally delivering a self-expanding tubular implant to a site in a body, the device comprising: an inner catheter comprising a cylindrical distal end component with a wall, wherein the cylindrical distal end component is arranged, in use, to be received within the lumen of the implant; and a sheath, coaxial with the inner catheter, wherein the sheath is arranged to sheath the implant until, in use, the sheath is withdrawn proximally, relative to the implant and the inner catheter, to release (deploy) the implant at the site, wherein the cylindrical distal end component includes a first plurality of implant retention elements, which, during withdrawal of the sheath protrude radially outwardly from the cylindrical distal end component to engage a radially inward facing surface of the implant to restrain the implant from being carried by the sheath proximally, relative to the cylindrical distal end component, characterized in that: the first plurality of implant retention elements are formed from a portion of the wall of the cylindrical distal end component, and in that: the first plurality of implant retention elements are configured to utilise a shape memory effect to assume a radially outwardly protruding configuration to engage the radially inward facing surface of the implant prior to the withdrawal of the sheath.
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
25.
Puncture device to be used in creating a TIPS shunt
Described herein is a catheter (10) including a needle (12) arranged for creating a puncture suitable for a TIPS shunt. The catheter can include a flexible catheter body (14) having a proximal and a distal end, the needle (12) being provided at the distal end of the catheter body (14), and an actuator (16) arranged for vibrating the needle,
the needle being provided with serrations (18) on its outside.
The present invention relates to a stent graft, comprising: a hollow stent graft body having a lumen extending from one end of the stent graft body to the respective other end of the stent graft body, an expandable reservoir provided on an interior of the stent graft body, the expandable reservoir being covered with a separation layer on a side of the expandable reservoir facing the lumen, the expandable reservoir being arranged so as to swell when exposed to blood, the separation layer being arranged to prevent the expandable reservoir from being exposed to blood flowing through the lumen, the separation layer being arranged so that it can selectively expose the expandable reservoir to blood to cause the expandable reservoir to swell.
The present invention relates to a stent graft, comprising: a hollow stent graft body having a lumen extending from one end of the stent graft body to the respective other end of the stent graft body, an expandable reservoir provided on an interior of the stent graft body, the expandable reservoir being covered with a separation layer on a side of the expandable reservoir facing the lumen, the expandable reservoir being arranged so as to swell when exposed to blood, the separation layer being arranged to prevent the expandable reservoir from being exposed to blood flowing through the lumen, the separation layer being arranged so that it can selectively expose the expandable reservoir to blood to cause the expandable reservoir to swell.
Described herein is a catheter (10) including a needle (12) arranged for creating a puncture suitable for a TIPS shunt. The catheter can include a flexible catheter body (14) having a proximal and a distal end, the needle (12) being provided at the distal end of the catheter body (14), and an actuator (16) arranged for vibrating the needle, the needle being provided with serrations (18) on its outside.
The invention relates to a TIPS stent graft, comprising: a hollow stent graft body, the stent body having a lumen extending between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end to let fluid pass through the stent graft body from the first longitudinal end to the second longitudinal end, the lumen comprising at least two sublumens which are separated from one another, each of the sublumens extending from the first longitudinal end to the second longitudinal end, each of the sublumens being capable of being blocked so as to reduce blood flow through the TIPS stent graft.
The present invention relates to a TIPS stent graft, comprising a tubular component having a lumen extending therethrough, the tubular component comprising a balloon expandable central section and a first and a second self- expanding section, the first and the second self-expanding section sandwiching the central section, the lumen extending through the first, central, and second sections, the stent graft being capable of selectively constricting the central section.
A61F 2/88 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure the wire-like elements formed as helical or spiral coils
The present invention relates to a medical implant (10) for constricting a vein (V) used in a permanent arteriovenous access, the implant comprising: - an expandable sleeve (11), the sleeve being suitable for being arranged so as to at least partially surround the vein (V), wherein the sleeve (11) is arranged so that it can be selectively expanded to constrict the vein (V), thereby reducing the cross-sectional diameter of the vein (V).
A61B 17/12 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods for ligaturing or otherwise compressing tubular parts of the body, e.g. blood vessels or umbilical cord
An implantable prosthesis designed to transition from a contracted state to an expanded state, including a continuous tubular helical winding and a plurality of bridges. The helical winding includes a plurality of circumferential sections spaced apart along a helical axis, each of the plurality of circumferential sections forming a non-orthogonal helical angle relative to the helical axis. The plurality of bridges connect adjacent circumferential sections, each having a length extending from a first end to a second end on a plane orthogonal to the helical axis, the length being equal to a circumferential offset between the adjacent circumferential sections in both the contracted state and the expanded state. The implantable prosthesis also includes a first annular ring orthogonal to the helical axis, and a first marker having a first end connected to the first annular ring, and a second end coupled to the first end of the helical winding.
A61F 2/88 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure the wire-like elements formed as helical or spiral coils
A61F 2/915 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
A61F 2/91 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes
A61F 2/844 - Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents folded prior to deployment
A stent that has a reduced state, an expanded state, and a delivery state, includes helical windings, a bridge, and a sacrificial bridge. The helical windings define a cylinder with a helical axis including a strut having a straight portion connected to a curved portion, wherein the straight portion aligns with the helical axis. The bridge connects adjacent windings. The sacrificial bridge connects adjacent windings and is configured for removal in the expanded state.
A61F 2/88 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure the wire-like elements formed as helical or spiral coils
A61F 2/91 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes
A61F 2/915 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
A61F 2/844 - Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents folded prior to deployment
A61F 2/848 - Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents having means for fixation to the vessel wall, e.g. barbs
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A catheter device having a shaft that extends from a proximal end to a distal end to carry on its distal end a self-expanding implant for intraluminal advance on a guidewire and delivery of the implant to an implant site by proximal withdrawal of a sheath that lies radially outside the implant in the catheter, the catheter including a first shaft element to pull the sheath proximally and a second shaft element to push the implant distally to prevent the implant moving proximally with the sheath when the sheath is pulled proximally, wherein the second shaft element carries a stopper for abutting the implant, the stopper including proximal and distal portions having different radiopacities.
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A61M 25/01 - Introducing, guiding, advancing, emplacing or holding catheters
A61F 2/958 - Inflatable balloons for placing stents or stent-grafts
A stent includes a series of helical windings defining an outer circumference of a cylinder. The helical windings include a plurality of struts having straight portions connected by curved portions. The straight portions may be substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the stent when the stent is in a reduced state. A plurality of bridges connect adjacent windings. The bridges may be substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the stent in the reduced state. A plurality of radiopaque members extend from a terminal helical winding. The radiopaque members include an extension portion and an end portion. The extension portion may have a first width and the end portion may have a second width greater than the first width. The end portion may include an extreme end substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the stent.
A61F 2/88 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure the wire-like elements formed as helical or spiral coils
A61F 2/91 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes
A61F 2/915 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
A61F 2/844 - Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents folded prior to deployment
A61F 2/848 - Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents having means for fixation to the vessel wall, e.g. barbs
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A catheter device having a shaft that extends from a proximal end to a distal end to carry on its distal end a self-expanding implant for intraluminal advance on a guidewire and delivery of the implant to an implant site by proximal withdrawal of a sheath that lies radially outside the implant in the catheter, the catheter including a first shaft element to pull the sheath proximally and a second shaft element to push the implant distally to prevent the implant moving proximally with the sheath when the sheath is pulled proximally, wherein the second shaft element carries a stopper for abutting the implant, the stopper including proximal and distal portions having different radiopacities.
A percutaneous trans-luminal catheter delivery system for an implant, the system comprising: a catheter shaft with a distal end to carry the implant and a proximal end, and an elongate housing at the proximal end that an operator can grasp when deploying the implant; the shaft having an inner push component which can push on the implant in a distal direction and an outer sheath component which radially surrounds the implant until said deployment of the implant into the bodily lumen, the outer sheath component being capable of being pulled proximally, from the housing, to deploy the implant; the housing being mounted on a proximal end portion of the push component and defining a channel; the housing containing a sheath slitter that is fixedly mounted relative to the length of the channel and that can slit the outer sheath as the outer sheath is caused to move proximally in the channel relative to the slitter.
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A61F 2/97 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve the outer sleeve being splittable
38.
CATHETER DELIVERY SYSTEM TO RELEASE A SELF-EXPANDING IMPLANT
A percutaneous trans-luminal catheter delivery system for an implant, the system comprising: a catheter shaft with a distal end to carry the implant and a proximal end, and an elongate housing at the proximal end that an operator can grasp when deploying the implant; the shaft having an inner push component which can push on the implant in a distal direction and an outer sheath component which radially surrounds the implant until said deployment of the implant into the bodily lumen, the outer sheath component being capable of being pulled proximally, from the housing, to deploy the implant; the housing being mounted on a proximal end portion of the push component and defining a channel; the housing containing a sheath slitter that is fixedly mounted relative to the length of the channel and that can slit the outer sheath as the outer sheath is caused to move proximally in the channel relative to the slitter.
A61F 2/97 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve the outer sleeve being splittable
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
An elongate hand unit for deploying an elongate implant from the distal end of a delivery catheter, which catheter has a shaft between the distal end carrying the implant and a proximal end to which the hand unit may be coupled, the shaft comprising a push element to maintain the position of the implant during deployment and a pull element to be pulled proximally relative to the push element, by a release distance sufficient to deploy the implant: the hand unit having a distal end and a proximal end separated by a hand unit length, and comprising a pull component and a push component; the pull component having a pull grip, to be gripped and pulled proximally by the release distance, sliding on the push component, thereby to pull the pull element proximally, thereby to deploy the implant; the push component to be operatively connected to the push element of the catheter shaft and having at its proximal end a push surface to receive during deployment of the implant a force that pushes on the push element shaft to resist proximal movement of the implant during deployment, the push component providing a guide rail that defines a guide path for the pull grip, with a guide path length along which the pull grip can slide proximally, from a distal to a proximal end of the guide rail whereby the proximal movement of the pull grip along the guide path deploys the implant.
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
An elongate hand unit for deploying an elongate implant from the distal end of a delivery catheter, which catheter has a shaft between the distal end carrying the implant and a proximal end to which the hand unit may be coupled, the shaft comprising a push element to maintain the position of the implant during deployment and a pull element to be pulled proximally relative to the push element, by a release distance sufficient to deploy the implant: the hand unit having a distal end and a proximal end separated by a hand unit length, and comprising a pull component and a push component; the pull component having a pull grip, to be gripped and pulled proximally by the release distance, sliding on the push component, thereby to pull the pull element proximally, thereby to deploy the implant; the push component to be operatively connected to the push element of the catheter shaft and having at its proximal end a push surface to receive during deployment of the implant a force that pushes on the push element shaft to resist proximal movement of the implant during deployment, the push component providing a guide rail that defines a guide path for the pull grip, with a guide path length along which the pull grip can slide proximally, from a distal to a proximal end of the guide rail whereby the proximal movement of the pull grip along the guide path deploys the implant.
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A stent includes a series of helical windings defining an outer circumference of a cylinder. The helical windings include a plurality of struts having straight portions connected by curved portions. The straight portions may be substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the stent when the stent is in a reduced state. A plurality of bridges connect adjacent windings. The bridges may be substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the stent in the reduced state. A plurality of radiopaque members extend from a terminal helical winding. The radiopaque members include an extension portion and an end portion. The extension portion may have a first width and the end portion may have a second width greater than the first width. The end portion may include an extreme end substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the stent.
A61F 2/88 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure the wire-like elements formed as helical or spiral coils
A61F 2/91 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes
A61F 2/915 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
A61F 2/848 - Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents having means for fixation to the vessel wall, e.g. barbs
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A device to release from an implant bed in the device a self-expanding implant by pulling back proximally, the length of the implant, a rolling membrane with an inner sleeve that extends distally to the distal end of the implant and an outer sleeve that extends proximally, from the distal end of the inner sleeve, the outer sleeve, during said release, pulling the distal end of the inner sleeve back proximally over the abluminal surface of the remainder of the inner sleeve, proximal of its distal end, the device having a slitter, that is caused to move proximally contemporaneously with the outer sleeve, to slit the inner sleeve progressively, starting at a distal point in the inner sleeve, and progressing proximally along the length of the inner sleeve.
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A61F 2/97 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve the outer sleeve being splittable
A device to release from an implant bed in the device a self-expanding implant by pulling back proximally, the length of the implant, a rolling membrane with an inner sleeve that extends distally to the distal end of the implant and an outer sleeve that extends proximally, from the distal end of the inner sleeve, the outer sleeve, during said release, pulling the distal end of the inner sleeve back proximally over the abluminal surface of the remainder of the inner sleeve, proximal of its distal end, the device having a slitter, that is caused to move proximally contemporaneously with the outer sleeve, to slit the inner sleeve progressively, starting at a distal point in the inner sleeve, and progressing proximally along the length of the inner sleeve.
A61F 2/97 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve the outer sleeve being splittable
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A catheter system with a proximal end and a distal end means at the proximal end to actuate a device at the distal end of the system, and an actuator element (32) that runs the length of the system, from the actuator means to the device and actuates the device by transmitting a physical force from the proximal end to the distal end and characterized by a pre - tensioner (40) near the distal end of the system, that can be set in a pre - tensioning disposition prior to actuation of the device, the pre - tensioner thereby reducing the magnitude of the said physical force that must be transmitted from the proximal end when acutation of the device is required.
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
The present disclosure provides a delivery system for a self- expanding implant (31) which includes a sheath (41, 42) which surrounds and constrains the implant prior to delivery and a confining element (80) which surrounds the sheath during storage. The confining element preferably includes elongate members (81) running axially along the sheath, which compress the sheath and the stent to reduce hoop stress in the system without promoting undesired adhesion between layers of the sheath.
A61F 2/962 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A61F 2/97 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve the outer sleeve being splittable
46.
STENT DEVICE DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MAKING SUCH
Disclosed is a stent device delivery system (1) comprising a stent device (4) and an outer sheath (2) overlaying the stent device. The outer sheath is axially retractable relative to the stent device in order to deploy the stent device. A method of making the same is also disclosed. The stent device delivery system employs a laminated structure which reinforces the sheath against forces arising from stent deployment. A pull element may form part of the laminated structure, which may be formed with a varying radial profile.
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
47.
STENT DEVICE DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MAKING SUCH
A stent device delivery system (1), comprising: a stent device (4), and an outer sheath (2) overlaying the stent device in a radially compact, delivery configuration of the stent device; the outer sheath is retractable to allow the stent device to radially expand to a deployed configuration; a pull member (57) for pulling proximally on to retract the outer sheath; wherein a portion of the outer sheath is heat shrunk radially onto a relatively heat shrink resistant support member in order to capture a distal portion of the pull member radially between the outer sheath and the heat shrink resistant support member.
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
48.
STENT DEVICE DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MAKING SUCH
A stent device delivery system (1), comprising: a stent device (4), and an outer sheath (2) overlaying the stent device in a radially compact, delivery configuration of the stent device; the outer sheath is retractable to allow the stent device to radially expand to a deployed configuration; a pull member (57) for pulling proximally on to retract the outer sheath; wherein a portion of the outer sheath is heat shrunk radially onto a relatively heat shrink resistant support member in order to capture a distal portion of the pull member radially between the outer sheath and the heat shrink resistant support member.
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
49.
STENT DEVICE DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MAKING SUCH
Disclosed is a stent device delivery system (1) comprising a stent device (4) and an outer sheath (2) overlaying the stent device. The outer sheath is axially retractable relative to the stent device in order to deploy the stent device. A method of making the same is also disclosed. The stent device delivery system employs a laminated structure which reinforces the sheath against forces arising from stent deployment. A pull element may form part of the laminated structure, which may be formed with a varying radial profile.
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
50.
METHOD OF JOINING TUBING FOR USE IN MEDICAL CATHETERS
The present application relates to method of arresting telescopic endwise relative movement in a medical device between an end portion of an elongate member, preferably being a cylinder, and an end portion of a tube, preferably being a cylindrical tube, that receives the end portion of the elongate member. The method is of particular use in the construction of stent delivery systems. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a length of deformable blocking material; imparting relative endwise movement to draw the blocking material, into the gap and reversing the direction until the blocking material length suffers deformation.
The present application relates to method of arresting telescopic endwise relative movement in a medical device between an end portion of an elongate member, preferably being a cylinder, and an end portion of a tube, preferably being a cylindrical tube, that receives the end portion of the elongate member. The method is of particular use in the construction of stent delivery systems. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a length of deformable blocking material; imparting relative endwise movement to draw the blocking material, into the gap and reversing the direction until the blocking material length suffers deformation.
The present invention relates to a force-transmitting element for a medical catheter. The element may, for example, be used in catheter introducers or stent delivery systems. An embodiment of the present invention may comprise a tube and a tubular sleeve, wherein the tube has formed through the wall thickness a plurality of axially-distributed slits formed so that the extent of each slit in the circumferential direction exceeds half of the circumference of the tube such that, when the tube is longitudinally flexed into a curve, the slits on the outside of the curve become relatively more opened and, when the element is subject to no external endwise compressive forces, the tube is retained by the tubular sleeve in a state of endwise compression such that the slits are relatively more closed than if the sleeve were absent.
The present invention relates to a force-transmitting element for a medical catheter. The element may, for example, be used in catheter introducers or stent delivery systems. An embodiment of the present invention may comprise a tube and a tubular sleeve, wherein the tube has formed through the wall thickness a plurality of axially-distributed slits formed so that the extent of each slit in the circumferential direction exceeds half of the circumference of the tube such that, when the tube is longitudinally flexed into a curve, the slits on the outside of the curve become relatively more opened and, when the element is subject to no external endwise compressive forces, the tube is retained by the tubular sleeve in a state of endwise compression such that the slits are relatively more closed than if the sleeve were absent.
There is disclosed herein a transluminal delivery system for a self-expanding luminal prosthesis, the system comprising an inner catheter component (30) and a retractable sheath (12) to surround the component thereby to define an annular space to receive the prosthesis (10), the component exhibiting an anti-sliding component, for abutting a luminal surface portion of the prosthesis (10) to restrain the prosthesis from sliding with the sheath (12), and relative to the inner catheter (30), while the sheath retracts relative to the prosthesis to release the prosthesis progressively into the target bodily lumen characterised in that the anti-sliding component is or includes at least one sleeve (36, 50, 66, 76) having a length direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the annular space and having at least one bound portion (33, 52, 64, 65, 74) of its length that is not free to slide on the inner catheter, and at least one unbound portion of its length with a capability to slide axially on the inner catheter (30) and thereby to exhibit a radial swelling capability, to deliver an increase in the radial thickness of the sleeve (36, 50, 66, 76) while the sheath retracts. Associated methods are also disclosed.
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A61F 2/00 - Filters implantable into blood vesselsProstheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the bodyAppliances for connecting them with the bodyDevices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
A stent (10) formed by slitting a tube to create a matrix of struts which are separated from each other by no more than the width of the slit and which lie more or less parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the tube, the slitted tube being radially expandable to a stenting disposition in which the struts exhibit a zigzag pattern in successive loops around the circumferenceof the stent, the angle each strut makes with the longitudinal axis increasing as the stent diameter increases the zigzag pattern exhibiting a cusp between any two adjacent struts with selected tied cusps of any one loop being connected by a bridge (12) to a facing cusp of the adjacent loop, the bridge extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube and with intervening free cusps (46, 48), between any two bridge of a loop, not being connected to the adjacent loop the zigzag pattern exhibitinga lengthwise staggering of circumferentially adjacent said slits to the extent that the lengths of two circumferentially adjacentstruts on the zigzag pattern that flank a tied cusp are different and further such that, in the said stenting disposition, the free cusps of adjacent loops are circumferentially displaced from each other; and characterized in that: a majority of the struts in any one of the successive loops share a first common length X, and any remaining struts in said one loop share a second common length Y (42), wherein Y < X.
A61F 2/90 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
A stent (10) formed by slitting a tube to create a matrix of struts which are separated from each other by no more than the width of the slit and which lie more or less parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the tube, the slitted tube being radially expandable to a stenting disposition in which the struts exhibit a zigzag pattern in successive loops around the circumference of the stent, the angle each strut makes with the longitudinal axis increasing as the stent diameter increases the zigzag pattern exhibiting a cusp between any two adjacent struts with selected tied cusps of any one loop being connected by a bridge (12) to a facing cusp of the adjacent loop, the bridge extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube and with intervening free cusps (46, 48), between any two bridge of a loop, not being connected to the adjacent loop the zigzag pattern exhibiting a lengthwise staggering of circumferentially adjacent said slits to the extent that the lengths of two circumferentially adjacent struts on the zigzag pattern that flank a tied cusp are different and further such that, in the said stenting disposition, the free cusps of adjacent loops are circumferentially displaced from each other; and characterized in that: a majority of the struts in any one of the successive loops share a first common length X, and any remaining struts in said one loop share a second common length Y (42), wherein Y < X.
A61F 2/91 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes
A61F 2/915 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
A catheter device having a shaft that extends from a proximal end to a distal end to carry on its distal end a self-expanding implant for intraluminal advance on a guidewire and delivery of the implant to an implant site by proximal withdrawal of a sheath that lies radially outside the implant in the catheter, the catheter including a first shaft element to pull the sheath proximally and a second shaft element to push the implant distally to prevent the implant moving proximally with the sheath when the sheath is pulled proximally, wherein the second shaft element carries a stopper for abutting the implant, the stopper comprising proximal and distal portions having different radiopacities.
The invention provides a delivery system for a prosthesis, said delivery system comprising a catheter shaft with a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis, a space for a prosthesis with a distal end and a proximal end, the space being at the distal end of the catheter shaft, a sheath with a proximal end and a distal end, the sheath being disposed at the distal end of the catheter shaft so as to surround the space, a pusher element attached to the distal end of the catheter shaft and arranged at the proximal end of the space for abutting prosthesis, a pull element with a longitudinal axis, the pull element running the length of the catheter shaft and having a distal end attached to the proximal end of the sheath and a proximal end for pulling the pull ele-ment proximally, thereby retracting the sheath proximally relative to the prosthesis space, and at least one fixation element having a proximal end and a distal end and being disposed within a flexible portion of the length of the shaft that lies between the proxi-mal end of the sheath and the proximal end of the catheter shaft. The fixation element serves to limit a radial distance between the axis of the pull element outside the shaft and the axis of the catheter shaft along the length of the fixation element whenever a ten-sile stress in the pull element results in an endwise compressive stress on the shaft and a tendency of the shaft to bow, relative to the pull element.
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
The invention provides a delivery system for a prosthesis, said delivery system comprising a catheter shaft with a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis, a space for a prosthesis with a distal end and a proximal end, the space being at the distal end of the catheter shaft, a sheath with a proximal end and a distal end, the sheath being disposed at the distal end of the catheter shaft so as to surround the space, a pusher element attached to the distal end of the catheter shaft and arranged at the proximal end of the space for abutting prosthesis, a pull element with a longitudinal axis, the pull element running the length of the catheter shaft and having a distal end attached to the proximal end of the sheath and a proximal end for pulling the pull element proximally, thereby retracting the sheath proximally relative to the prosthesis space, and at least one fixation element having a proximal end and a distal end and being disposed within a flexible portion of the length of the shaft that lies between the proximal end of the sheath and the proximal end of the catheter shaft. The fixation element serves to limit a radial distance between the axis of the pull element outside the shaft and the axis of the catheter shaft along the length of the fixation element whenever a tensile stress in the pull element results in an endwise compressive stress on the shaft and a tendency of the shaft to bow, relative to the pull element.
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A delivery device (12) for delivering a stent device (3) in a reduced profiled delivery configuration is provided. Adistal region (9) of the stent device is axially anchored to an inner catheter (2) by annular rings (5, 6) about the inner catheter. Aremaining portion (10) of the stent device is spaced radially from the inner catheter. A proximal stop (4) is spaced axially from aproximla end of the stent device. The stent device is maintained in the reduced profile delivery configuration by a retractable outersheath (1).
A61F 2/962 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A delivery device (12) for delivering a stent device (3) in a reduced profiled delivery configuration is provided. A distal region (9) of the stent device is axially anchored to an inner catheter (2) by annular rings (5, 6) about the inner catheter. A remaining portion (10) of the stent device is spaced radially from the inner catheter. A proximal stop (4) is spaced axially from a proximla end of the stent device. The stent device is maintained in the reduced profile delivery configuration by a retractable outer sheath (1).
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A61F 2/958 - Inflatable balloons for placing stents or stent-grafts
62.
STENT DELIVERY DEVICE WITH ROLLING STENT RETAINING SHEATH
A delivery device (1) for delivering a stent device (3) that is expandable from a radially reduced, delivery configuration to a radially expanded, deployed configuration. A retaining sheath (4) is disposed over the stent device for maintaining the stent device in the delivery configuration. A pull line (13) to be pulled upon is provided to retract the retaining sheath in a rolling manner such that the retaining sheath is folded back on itself to provide a radially inner sheath (7) of the retaining sheath, a radially outer sheath (8) of the retaining sheath and a fold portion (9) therebetween. The pull line is moveable by pulling thereon to move the outer sheath over the inner sheath and thus to move the fold portion axially relative to the stent device to retract the retaining sheath from over the stent device to release the stent device for expansion to the deployed configuration. The pull line extends axially along the stent device and joins the retaining sheath substantially at or beyond an axial end of the stent device in a pre-retracted configuration of the retaining sheath. The retaining sheath is made of a cold drawn plastic at least along the path of travel of the fold portion in retracting the retaining sheath from over the stent device.
A61F 2/962 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
63.
STENT DELIVERY DEVICE WITH ROLLING STENT RETAINING SHEATH
A delivery device (1) for delivering a stent device (3) that is expandable from a radially reduced, delivery configuration to a radially expanded, deployed configuration. A retaining sheath (4) is disposed over the stent device for maintaining the stent device in the delivery configuration. A pull line (13) to be pulled upon is provided to retract the retaining sheath in a rolling manner such that the retaining sheath is folded back on itself to provide a radially inner sheath (7) of the retaining sheath, a radially outer sheath (8) of the retaining sheath and a fold portion (9) therebetween. The pull line is moveable by pulling thereon to move the outer sheath over the inner sheath and thus to move the fold portion axially relative to the stent device to retract the retaining sheath from over the stent device to release the stent device for expansion to the deployed configuration. The pull line extends axially along the stent device and joins the retaining sheath substantially at or beyond an axial end of the stent device in a pre-retracted configuration of the retaining sheath. The retaining sheath is made of a cold drawn plastic at least along the path of travel of the fold portion in retracting the retaining sheath from over the stent device.
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A delivery device is provided for delivering a stent device. The stent device (2) is radially expandable from a radially reduced, delivery configuration to a radially expanded, deployment configuration. A restraining sheath (4) is mounted coaxially over the stent device for maintaining the stent device in the delivery configuration. The restraining sheath has a line of weakness (6) extending axially therealong. A pull member is provided, which is to be pulled so as to split the restraining sheath at the line of weakness and withdraw the restraining sheath from over the stent device. The pull member and the line of weakness are located on opposing sides of the restraining sheath. The pull member (5) is wrapped around a distal end of the restraining sheath. The wrap around portion may be formed by a hook of a metal pull member. The wrap around portion may be formed by an open loop of polymer thread. Both ends of the open loop may extend proximally from the restraining sheath and the stent device with one of the ends being fixed to the delivery device and the other being moveable to provide a pull end.
There is disclosed herein a retractable catheter preferably for use in an implant delivery catheter system, the catheter comprising: an elongate tubular sheath (16) which is at least in a distal portion made of a relatively flexible material; a reinforcing structure (20) which is made of a relatively inextensible material and which is incorporated, along at least a portion of the length of the sheath (16), in the relatively flexible material of the sheath; and a pull element (18) for transmitting a pull force longitudinally to the sheath (16) and the reinforcing structure (20), characterized in that: the pull element (18) is connected directly to a portion of the reinforcing structure (20) exposed from the relatively flexible material, to transmit the pull force directly to the reinforcing structure (20). Also disclosed herein is an implant delivery system which comprises such a retractable catheter, and methods for its manufacture.
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
There is disclosed herein a retractable catheter preferably for use in an implant delivery system, the catheter comprising: an elongate tubular sheath (16) made of a relatively flexible material; and a pull element (18) for transmitting a pull force to the sheath (16) to retract it longitudinally, characterized in that: the pull element (18) comprises an end portion (18'') disposed in the relatively flexible material, wherein at least the thickness of the end portion (18'') is substantially less than its length. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a retractable catheter.
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
There is disclosed herein a tube of material (1) having a seam (12) extending between a proximal end and a distal end, two edges (10a, 10b) of the material meeting and at least partially overlapping along the seam (12) and being sewn together at the seam by stitches (21, 22, 24) of relatively flexible thread (20), the thread of one or more of the stitches (22, 24) passing from a first side (12a) of the overlapped edges (10a, 10b) of material, through both layers of overlapped material, crossing a relatively rigid member (30) which is disposed on a second, opposite side (12b) of the overlapped edges of material, and passing back to the first side (12a). There is further disclosed an implant delivery catheter (40) incorporating the tube of material (1), and associated methods for its manufacture.
A method of moving a stent device into an outer sheath of a stent: device delivery system is disclosed. The stent device (4) is Crimped into a collapsed configuration onto the loading mandrel (6). The loading mandrel is pushed towards the outer sheath as the engaging surfaces (10) resist relative longitudinal movement between the stent device and the loading mandrel to move the stent device into the outer sheath (16). Upon entering the outer sheath, the stent device expands radially until radially constrained by the outer sheath.
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A catheter device having a shaft that extends from a proximal end to a distal end to carry on its distal end a self-expanding implant for intraluminal advance on a guidewire and delivery of the implant to an implant site by proximal withdrawal of a sheath that lies radially outside the implant in the catheter, the catheter including a first shaft element to pull the sheath proximally and a second shaft element to push the implant distally to prevent the implant moving proximally with the sheath when the sheath is pulled proximally, wherein the second shaft element comprises a pusher-guider tube having a wall thickness with a plurality of discrete slits, the slits extending through the wall thickness of the pusher-guider tube.
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A stent device delivery system, comprising a stent device pusher (8), a radially expandable stent device (2) and an outer sheath. The stent device comprises a lumen and defines a longitudinal axis. The stent device is constrained in a radially contracted state by the outer sheath. There is a tacky material providing a tackiness between the stent device pusher and an inner surface of the stent device. The tacky material is distributed along the length of the stent device. The tacky material serves to resist axial movement of the stent device relative to the stent device pusher as the outer sheath slides axially over the stent device, yet allows the stent device to peel from the tacky material and expand to a radially expanded state as the outer sheath slides axially over the stent device to unconstrain the stent device. The stent device pusher comprises protrusions made of the tacky material that are distributed axially along the stent device and have a tacky interaction with the inner surface of the stent device. The tacky material is compressible and the stent device is embedded in the compressible material.
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A stent device delivery system, comprising a stent device pusher (8), a radially expandable stent device (2) and an outer sheath. The stent device comprises a lumen and defines a longitudinal axis. The stent device is constrained in a radially contracted state by the outer sheath. There is a tacky material providing a tackiness between the stent device pusher and an inner surface of the stent device. The tacky material is distributed along the length of the stent device. The tacky material serves to resist axial movement of the stent device relative to the stent device pusher as the outer sheath slides axially over the stent device, yet allows the stent device to peel from the tacky material and expand to a radially expanded state as the outer sheath slides axially over the stent device to unconstrain the stent device. The stent device pusher comprises protrusions made of the tacky material that are distributed axially along the stent device and have a tacky interaction with the inner surface of the stent device. The tacky material is compressible and the stent device is embedded in the compressible material.
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A method is described of loading a self-expanding stent (10) into a delivery sheath (12) that is part of a catheter for transluminal delivery of the stent to a stenting location in the body of a patient, with the stent being deployed at that location by removal from the stent of the constraint on its radial expansion that is provided up to that point by the sheath. The method involves radially compressing the stent; providing a loading sheath (14); translating the stent relative to the sheath, whereby the stent is accommodated within the lumen of the loading sheath; providing a delivery sheath; advancing the loading sheath, containing the stent, into the lumen of the delivery sheath; and deploying the stent into the lumen of the delivery sheath.
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A method is described of loading a self-expanding stent (10) into a delivery sheath (12) that is part of a catheter for transluminal delivery of the stent to a stenting location in the body of a patient, with the stent being deployed at that location by removal from the stent of the constraint on its radial expansion that is provided up to that point by the sheath. The method involves radially compressing the stent; providing a loading sheath (14); translating the stent relative to the sheath, whereby the stent is accommodated within the lumen of the loading sheath; providing a delivery sheath; advancing the loading sheath, containing the stent, into the lumen of the delivery sheath; and deploying the stent into the lumen of the delivery sheath.
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A61F 2/97 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve the outer sleeve being splittable
Provided is a catheter introducer that includes a flexible introducer tube that will in use extend percutaneously through the skin of the patient in order to enable the introduction of a catheter into a bodily lumen. Medical practitioners (and their patients) would be interested in a catheter introducer in which the tube exhibits a thinner wall, with no loss of performance and no loss of lumen diameter. The described introducer tube is a co-axial assembly of a structural element that exhibits a multiplicity of full wall thickness openings, and a sealing element that restrains fluid flow through the openings, the radial wall thickness of the sealing element being less than that of the structural element. To improve resistance to endwise compression, the introducer may be provided with the sealing element in such a configuration as to pre-compress the tube; that is, the slits are closed to some desired degree under longitudinal compression provided by tension in the sealing element.
A catheter delivery device for a self-expanding stent including a distal catheter component, a distal sheath disposed over the stent, a proximal catheter shaft defining a tube; a proximal sheath connected to the distal sheath defining a lumen containing the catheter shaft, an open distal end suitable to receive the proximal end of the distal catheter component side-by-side with the distal end of the catheter shaft and; a casing tube surrounding the catheter shaft having a distal end telescopically receiving the proximal end of the distal sheath.
A61F 2/962 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A catheter delivery device for a self-expanding stent including a distal catheter component, a distal sheath disposed over the stent, a proximal catheter shaft defining a tube; a proximal sheath connected to the distal sheath defining a lumen containing the catheter shaft, an open distal end sui table to receive the proximal end of the distal catheter component side-by-side with the distal end of the catheter shaft and; a casing tube surrounding the catheter shaft having a distal end telescopically receiving the proximal end of the distal sheath.
A61F 2/962 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A catheter delivery device for a self-expanding stent including a distal catheter component, a distal sheath disposed over the stent, a proximal catheter shaft defining a tube; a proximal sheath connected to the distal sheath defining a lumen containing the catheter shaft, an open distal end suitable to receive the proximal end of the distal catheter component side-by-side with the distal end of the catheter shaft and; a casing tube surrounding the catheter shaft having a distal end telescopically receiving the proximal end of the distal sheath.
There is disclosed herein a method of loading a self-expanding stent (10) into a delivery sheath (12) that is by itself strong enough to preserve the stent in a radially compressed pre-deployment configuration, comprising the steps of: (i) compressing the stent (10) to a relatively small diameter; (ii) providing a loading sheath (18) with an inner diameter dl; (iii) with the stent (10) exhibiting an outside diameter of d2, where d2 < dl, providing relative translational movement between the stent (10) and the loading sheath (18), whereby the stent is accommodated within the lumen of the loading sheath (18); (iv) advancing the loading sheath (18), containing the stent (10), into the lumen (16) of the delivery sheath (12); and {v} deploying the stent into the lumen (16) of the delivery sheath (12), by withdrawing the loading sheath (18) while restraining the stent (10) from axial movement out of the lumen (16) of the delivery sheath (12).
A catheter device having a shaft that extends from a proximal end to a distal end to carry on its distal end a self-expanding implant for intraluminal advance on a guidewire and delivery of the implant to an implant site by proximal withdrawal of a longitudinal sheath that lies radially outside the implant in the catheter, the catheter including a first shaft element to pull the sheath proximally and a second shaft element to push the implant distally to prevent the implant moving proximally with the sheath when the sheath is pulled proximally, wherein the sheath is freely rotatable with respect to the first shaft element during the said intraluminal advance and, during proximal movement, is caused to abut the first shaft element at an abutment position by a reduced inner diameter portion of the sheath proximal of the abutment position.
Preferred embodiments of a stent with a high degree of flexibility are shown and described. The stent can include a continuous helical winding and at least one bridge. The continuous helical winding has a plurality of circumferential sections that circumscribe a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end to define a tube. The circumferential sections are spaced apart along the axis. The at least one bridge is configured to connect one circumferential section to an axially-spaced adjacent circumferential section. The at least one bridge extends on a plane generally orthogonal with respect to the axis.
A61F 2/915 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
A61F 2/88 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure the wire-like elements formed as helical or spiral coils
A61F 2/91 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes
This invention relates to an elongate medical device, with a distal end to be advanced into the body of a patient and then withdrawn from the bodyf and an elongate shaft connecting the distal end with a proximal end that remains outside the body, the shaft extending in use through a hole in the skin of the body characterized by a slider, captivated on a portion of the length of the shaft, which is capable of lining the said hole, as the shaft is advanced and withdrawn relative to said hole and the slider in the hole, said slider having a maximum outer diameter that is substantially the same as or less than a maximum outer diameter of the distal end.
A delivery system.(114) for a self-expanding device (110) for placement in a bodily lumen, the system comprisinga sheath (112) that confines the device to a radially compact delivery disposition until the device is to be released into the lumen,the system having an elongate pull element (118) to be pulled proximally from its proximal end, which pull element is arrangedradially inside the sheath for pulling preferentially on a pull zone on the circumference of the distal end of the sheath, thereby totear the sheath progressively along a tear line running the length of the sheath, starting at the distal end of the sheath, to release thedevice from the confining effect of the sheath, progressively, beginning at the distal end of the device and wherein the sheath is ofpolyethylene- terephthalate, cold drawn along its long axis, and in that the distal end of the sheath tapers inwardly to provide aninwardly tapered distal end of the system.
A delivery system.(114) for a self-expanding device (110) for placement in a bodily lumen, the system comprising a sheath (112) that confines the device to a radially compact delivery disposition until the device is to be released into the lumen, the system having an elongate pull element (118) to be pulled proximally from its proximal end, which pull element is arranged radially inside the sheath for pulling preferentially on a pull zone on the circumference of the distal end of the sheath, thereby to tear the sheath progressively along a tear line running the length of the sheath, starting at the distal end of the sheath, to release the device from the confining effect of the sheath, progressively, beginning at the distal end of the device and wherein the sheath is of polyethylene- terephthalate, cold drawn along its long axis, and in that the distal end of the sheath tapers inwardly to provide an inwardly tapered distal end of the system.
There is disclosed herein a radially expansible stent formed from a tube, comprising a continuous spiral of tube material with a plurality of turns (30, 32) wrapping about a longitudinal axis from a first end of the stent to a second end of the stent, the spiral including a plurality of struts (40, 42) in a zig-zag arrangement joined at points of inflection (44), whereinreach strut includes a double bend (46) remote from a point of inflection (44) and first (58, 60) and second (62, 64) length portions on opposite sides of the double bend (46); adjacent struts (40, 42) have handed double bends that are substantially mirror images of one another, the handed double bends facing each other such that in a stent collapsed configuration the length portions (58, 60) of adjacent struts on a first side of the double bends (46) are spaced closer than the length portions (62, 64) of adjacent struts on a second side of the double bends (46) opposite the first side, the adjacent struts on said first side of the double bends being joined at a point of inflection (44); and each point of inflection (44) on said first side of the double bends (46) on one turn (30) of the continuous spiral lying between adjacent struts on said second side of the double bends (46) on the next turn (32) of the continuous spiral. A method of forming such a stent is also disclosed.
A61F 2/91 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes
A61F 2/915 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
85.
SELF-EXPANSIBLE STENT WITH RADIOPAQUE MARKERS AND METHOD OF MAKING SUCH A STENT
Pushing a self-expanding stent from one of its ends, during release of the stent at a stenting site in a bodily lumen, by proximal withdrawal of a surrounding sheath, can impose unacceptably high stresses on parts of the strut network of the stent. For location of stents in a bodily lumen, it is customary to equip the end annulus of a stent with radiopaque markers. The present invention involves arranging the markers so that they share with non-marker portions of the end annulus the stresses imposed in the stent by the end pushing, whereby the high stresses are shared more equally by all the struts of the stent in the end annulus.
A61F 2/00 - Filters implantable into blood vesselsProstheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the bodyAppliances for connecting them with the bodyDevices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
A61F 2/91 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes
A61F 2/915 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
There is disclosed herein a device (1) for moving an elongate member relative to an. elongate body through which it extends, the device comprising: a housing (10) connectable to the elongate body; a mover (20) associated with the housing and connectable to the elongate member for moving the elongate member relative to the housing and relative to a connected elongate body; and a pre-mover (40) for adjusting an elongate member connected to the mover relative to an elongate body connected to the housing in preparation for moving the elongate member with the mover. There is also disclosed a related surgical apparatus.
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
A stent formed by slitting a tube to create a matrix of struts, the slitted tube being radially expandable to a stenting disposition in which the struts exhibit a zig-zag pattern in successive loops around the circumference of the stent, the zig-zag pattern exhibiting a cusp between any two adjacent struts, with selected tied cusps of any one loop being connected by a bridge to a facing cusp of the adjacent loop and with intervening free cusps, characterised by lengthwise staggering of circumferentially adjacent said slits within said loops, wherein any two struts that are contiguous with a said tied cusp are of different lengths and any strut that extends from one free cusp to another free cusp has the same length as any other such strut such that, in the said stenting disposition, the free cusps of adjacent loops are circumferentially displaced from each other.
A61F 2/88 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure the wire-like elements formed as helical or spiral coils
An implant delivery device preferably includes a first shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The first shaft includes an outer surface and an inner surface defining a first lumen along a longitudinal axis. The distal portion includes a tip defining a taper in the distal direction toward the longitudinal axis and terminating at a distal opening. The device also includes a second shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion and an inner surface defining a second lumen therebetween having a first cross-section. The second shaft is disposed within the first lumen such that the second lumen is generally coaxial with the first lumen to define a chamber. The distal portion of the second shaft terminates in a port having an opening in communication with the distal opening of the first shaft. The port preferably includes a second cross-section greater than the first cross-section.
The invention concerns a method of providing a stent with a radiopaque marker comprising the steps of : i) providing in the stent a radiopaque marker carrier portion; ii) sleeving the carrier portion with radiopaque material, with an insulating surface between the carrier and the marker material, and iii) plastically deforming material within the sleeve of radiopaque material, to secure the sleeve on the carrier portion. The invention further concerns a stent with a radiopaque marker, the stent exhibiting a generally annular form with luminal and abluminal major surfaces, the marker also exhibiting opposed major luminal and abluminal surfaces characterised in that i) the marker envelops a carrier portion of the stent and is electrically insulated from it; ii) portions of the material of the marker which exhibit evidence of plastic deformation secure the marker on the carrier portion.
A61F 2/90 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
A61F 2/82 - Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
A stenting ring made of a tube or rolled-up sheet that has a characteristic wall thickness. The ring defines a lumen and is equipped with at least one marker made of a material different from that of the ring. The ring is expansible from a radially compact disposition with a relatively small circumference to a radially expanded disposition with a relatively large circumference. The ring exhibits in the compact disposition a serpentine arrangement of succeeding struts lying in alternate opposite directions to the longitudinal axis of the lumen. The marker has a thickness in the radial direction of the ring that is less than the characteristic wall thickness, and has a width that extends circumferentially around an arc of the ring. The marker is attached to the ring at a zone located at a point intermediate in the extent of said arc. The marker overlaps with a respective one of said struts, at each end of its circumferential arc, when the ring is in the compact disposition, the respective struts moving away from each other, and from the marker, when the ring expands towards said radially expanded disposition.
A61F 2/915 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
A radially expansible annular stent is disclosed. The stent comprises a plurality of stenting turns around a lumen centred on a longitudinal axis. Adjacent turns of the stent are joined by connector struts. The stent annulus has a wall thickness related to the material from which it is formed. The radial thickness of the connector struts is smaller than that of the stent annulus. A method of making such a stent is also disclosed. The method includes cutting the connector struts from a tubular workpiece with a laser beam. The laser beam is aimed so as to be offset from a longitudinal axis of the workpiece to provide the reduced radial thickness of the connector struts.
A61F 2/915 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
A device for pulling a length of wire relative a tube surrounding the wire (8) out of the tube, comprising a housing (10) having a distal and a proximal end, a reel (24) mounted in the housing for receiving the length of wire (8) and a reel-drive system for urging the reel to pull back the length of wire out of the tube, whereby the reel-drive system includes a one-way element (32).
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
Preferred embodiments of an implantable medical device with a high degree of flexibility is shown and described. One aspect includes an implantable stent (100) having an intermediate portion (14) with a helical winding and first (10) and second (12) end portions. The implantable stent further includes a coupling portion (15) with a helical winding, and bridges (26a) joining struts of defining the helical windings. The stent also includes a paddle (19a) providing a bridge (18a) joining the ends of the helical windings. Another aspect relates to a radially self-expansible stent with a plurality of radiopaque markers (20a) attached to it. The markers are shaped and located at the stent end such that the compressive stress exerted on the end.annulus of the stent during release of the stent is shared between the markers and the inflection zones that do not carry a marker.
A61F 2/90 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
An annular mesh expandable radially from a compact diameter to a radially- expanded deployed disposition in which the mesh is capable of sustaining a radially outwardly directed resistive force even when flexing its longitudinal axis out of a straight line, the mesh being composed of stenting struts, the stenting struts being arranged in a plurality of zig-zag strings around the circumference of the lumen, with occasional connector struts joining adjacent strings to create a closed circumference unit cell between two such connector struts and two adjacent connected strings there being a plurality of such unit cells arranged in sequence around the circumference between said two adjacent strings; and characterised in that there is a non-constant increment of strut length, serving to displace along the longitudinal axis each unit cell relative to the circumf erentially next adjacent unit cell.
A covered radially-expansible stent (50), capable of being advanced along a bodily lumen, and capable of performing as an arteriovenous shunt, and with a covering that stops short of one end of the stent at a line that slants to the longitudinal axis of the stent at an angle intermediate between 0° and 90°.
A substantially flexible implant holder for holding a substantially tubular implant structure during fatigue testing of the implant structure, the implant holder having a substantially elongate cavity for occupation by the tubular implant structure and a cavity-surrounding part which extends from at least a first longitudinal end of the cavity to at least a second longitudinal end of the cavity, the cavity-surrounding part having a stiffness which gradually changes from a relatively high stiffness adjacent each of the longitudinal ends of the cavity to a relatively low stiffness adjacent a middle portion which is situated between the two longitudinal ends of the cavity.
METHOD OF WELDING A COMPONENT TO A SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY WORKPIECE WITH PROVISION OF AN EXTRA CUT FOR COMPENSATING THE VARIATIONS OF DIMENSION OF WORKPIECE AND COMPONENT
A method of cutting, polishing and then welding together two metallic components (10, 18), in which the respective components (10, 18) are cut to define respective cut surfaces (14, 16) that are to be polished and fitted together, both to define the relative positions of the two components (10, 18) to be fixed by the welding and to provide facing weld surfaces at which the two components (10, 18) can be welded together. The method is characterized by the steps of i) making at least one extra cut (20), to create at least one zone of elastic deformation that deforms when the cut surfaces (14, 16) are fitted together; ii) polishing the cut surfaces (14, 16) before fitting them together; and iii) designing the dimensions of the cut components (10, 18) so that the zones of elastic deformation compensate for the variations of dimensions caused by the polishing step, thereby retaining the capability of the polished cut surfaces (14, 16, 20) to define said component (10, 18) relative positions during the welding step.
A61L 31/18 - Materials at least partially X-ray or laser opaque
F16B 5/07 - Joining sheets or plates to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of multiple interengaging protrusions on the surfaces, e.g. hooks, coils
F16B 5/08 - Joining sheets or plates to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of welds or the like
F16B 7/22 - Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections using hooks or like elements
A61F 2/90 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
A fatigue test system for repetitively deforming a substantially tubular implant structure which is within a radial range and within an axial range expandable and contractable and which has at least a first and a second end, wherein the system comprises at least a first and second part which are controllably moveable relative to each other, and a first and a second fixture assembly for fixing the first end to the first part and the second end to the second part, so that the system controls in use the position of each of the first and second end of the tubular implant structure.
ANGIOMED GMBH & CO. KG MEDIZINTECHNIK KG (Germany)
Inventor
Schlun, Martin
Abstract
A self-expanding stent comprising a series of zig-zag stenting rings (A, B, C, D, E, F, D1, D2) spaced along the axis and with adjacent said rings connected by connecting links (12, 14) spaced around the circumference of the rings, the links (12) between any two axially adjacent rings A, B being circumferentially staggered relative to the links (14) between the rings B and C, each ring being constituted by a succession of alternating struts (18) with points of inflection (16, 16', 16'') therebetween. The points of inflection at one end of at least one of the rings are staggered in their location along the longitudinal axis whereby, with axial withdrawal of a surrounding sheath at a stenting site, to deploy the self- expanding stent, the individual points of inflection at said one ring end escape from the sheath sequentially, with continued withdrawal of the sheath, rather than simultaneously.
A61F 2/91 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes
A61F 2/915 - Stents in a form characterised by wire-like elementsStents in a form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheets or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
A hand-held actuator device for releasing into the body from a delivery system a medical prosthesis, like a stent, comprising a frame (10) that acts as a housing, a reel (30) for receiving a wire (8), a manually operable slider (34) mounted to the frame and a one-way connection between the slider and the reel. Actuating the slider causes the reel to wind up the wire and release the medical prosthesis.
A61F 2/95 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
A61F 2/966 - Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
patents
