Cook Incorporated

Kimberly D Brummett

Scott E Boatman

Thomas A Osborne

A radially expandable stent ( ) made from a cannula or sheet of biocompatible material that includes at least one longitudinal segment ( ) comprised of a series of laterally interconnected closed cells ( ). Each closed cell of a longitudinal segment is defined laterally by a pair of longitudinal struts ( ) that are interconnected at each end by a circumferentially adjustable member ( ). When the stent is expanded using a balloon ( ), the opposing circumferentially adjustable members deform to allow circumferential expansion of the longitudinal segment, while the length of the segment, as defined by the longitudinal struts, is maintained. Self-expanding versions of the stent utilize a nickel-titanium alloy. Adjacent longitudinal segments are joined by flexible interconnection segments ( ) that permit the stent to bend laterally. The flexible interconnection segment is comprised of curvilinear struts ( ) that form a series of serpentine bends ( ) that distribute lateral bending forces. In a preferred embodiment, a short strut interconnects longitudinal segments and an adjacent interconnection segment. Each interconnection strut attaches to the longitudinal segment within a region ( ) at the end ( ) of a longitudinal strut ( ) dividing two adjacent closed cells.

Radially expandable stent

A flexible stent having a waveform pattern formed from a sheet of biocompatible material and into a tubular shape for maintaining the patency of a lumen such as in a coronary vessel. The waveform pattern of the stent is formed from a flat sheet of malleable, biocompatible material by, for example, photochemically etching the sheet and leaving a framework or plurality of closed cells. The waveform pattern is formed into a tubular shape around a deflated, delivery catheter balloon with segments of the closed cells being interposed only overlapping a reinforcing member extending longitudinally along the stent. The stent material is treated to reduce the coefficient of friction of the material and to aid in the radial expansion of the stent with the balloon. Radiopaque markers are positioned at the ends of the stent to aid the physician in positioning the stent at an occlusion site.

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Bloomfield, IN, United States of America

Kimberly D Brummett