Shape memory polymeric stent

摘要

An implantable, radially distensible stent includes a plurality of helically wound elongate members. The members include an overlapping portion having a longitudinal extent, opposed and convexly rounded sides defining a width of the members and opposed luminal and exterior surfaces. The members include shape memory polymer. The side of one elongate member slidingly overlaps the side of an adjacent elongate member to form a self-supporting wall structure of a stent. The stent wall is self-supporting without other support structure incorporated into or abutting the elongate members. Further, the shape memory polymer may include a biodegradable or bioabsorbable elements.

主权项

1. A stent radially distensible between a radially contracted state and a radially expanded state, wherein when the stent is in the radially contracted state and when the stent is in the radially expanded state the stent comprises: a tubular wall having opposed open ends, an uneven outer surface, and an uneven inner surface, the inner and outer surfaces being formed by a plurality of helically wound elongate members in direct contact with one another so that the wall has substantially no gaps, adjacent elongate members being either overlapping or juxtaposed;
wherein the elongate members have a first shape in the radially contracted state, the first shape being triangular-shaped members, the triangular-shaped members comprising first triangular-shaped members having a first same triangular shape and second triangular-shaped members having a second same triangular shape different from the first same triangular shape, wherein a first triangular-shaped member overlaps a second triangular-shaped member.