Optimized flex link for expandable stent

摘要

This invention relates generally to an expandable intraluminal medical device for use within a body passageway or duct, and more particularly to an optimized stent having flexible links that minimize foreshortening during stent deployment. In one embodiment of the present invention the intraluminal prosthetic device includes a first hoop section, a second hoop section, and one or more flex members attached between the first and the second hoop section. Each flex member comprises two generally longitudinally extending curved segments connected by a circumferentially undulating segment.

主权项

1. An intraluminal prosthetic device comprising:
a first hoop section having a cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis and a circumference, the cylindrical shape defining a longitudinal direction generally oriented along the longitudinal axis and a circumferential direction generally oriented along the circumference when the intraluminal prosthetic device is cut longitudinally and laid out flat in a 2-dimensional configuration, wherein the first hoop section comprises a plurality of longitudinally oriented struts connected by loop members having an outer radius; a second hoop section having a cylindrical shape and being axially aligned but longitudinally offset from the first hoop section along the longitudinal axis, wherein the second hoop section comprises a plurality of longitudinally oriented struts connected by loop members having an outer radius; and a plurality of flex members, each flex member having a first and a second end, wherein the first end of each flex member is attached to the first hoop section at the outer radius of a loop member and the second end of each flex member is attached to the second hoop section at the outer radius of a loop member, each flex member comprising at least two undulating segments that generally extend, end to end, in a circumferential direction, wherein the start and end points of each circumferentially extending undulating segment are longitudinally aligned with the corresponding start and end points of the immediately adjacent circumferentially extending undulating segment and wherein the start and end points of each circumferentially extending undulating segment are circumferentially aligned.