MEDICAL PROSTHESES HAVING BUNDLED AND NON-BUNDLED REGIONS

摘要

The present embodiments provide an endoluminal prosthesis, such as a stent-graft, having a relatively low delivery profile. In one embodiment, the prosthesis comprises a membrane, and at least one stent having contracted and expanded states, where the stent is coupled to the membrane and maintains patency in the expanded state. The prosthesis further may comprise selectively oriented axial and/or circumferential fibers arranged at predetermined locations along the length and circumference of the prosthesis. An increased population density of the circumferential and/or axial fibers may be provided in areas in which the at least one stent portion is attached to the membrane, or in areas of higher physiological loads imposed upon the endoluminal prosthesis. Selectively orienting axial fibers and circumferential fibers at predetermined locations along the length and circumference of the prosthesis, but not continuously along the entire prosthesis, significantly reduces delivery profile due to the reduction in graft material.