The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 25, 2003
Filed:
May. 05, 1998
John J. Frantzen, Copperopolis, CA (US);
Cook Incorporated, Bloomington, IN (US);
Abstract
A method for polishing radially expandable surgical stents is disclosed where fluid abrasive media M flows over surfaces of the stent causing the surfaces of the stent to be polished and streamlined. The stent is temporarily provided with cylindrical support ends which are not radially expandable to support the stent during the polishing process. An interior polishing fixture is provided which has cylindrical chambers therein adapted to receive a stent therein. Fluid abrasive media M then flows into bores in the fixture leading to the cylindrical chambers and adjacent the inner diameter surfaces of the stent Surfaces of the stent forming the outer diameter are polished by placing the stent within an exterior polishing fixture which has a cylindrical recess therein. The cylindrical recess has a diameter greater than a diameter of outer surfaces of the stent and includes a cylindrical shaft passing axially through the cylindrical recess upon which the stent is located. Slanted bores pass through walls of the exterior polishing fixture and into the cylindrical recess directing the abrasive media M adjacent exterior surfaces of the stent and causing polishing of the exterior surfaces of the stent The direction of abrasive media M flow can be reversed to make streamlining of segments of the stent occur in a symmetrical fashion. After polishing of the stent is completed, the cylindrical support ends are removed and the stent is ready for implantation and radial expansion within a body lumen L. When polished and streamlined, the radially expandable surgical stent more effectively supports a body lumen L without excessive thrombus, restenosis and other medical complications.