AN EXPANDABLE STENT THAT COLLAPSES INTO A NON-CONVEX SHAPE AND EXPANDS INTO AN EXPANDED, CONVEX SHAPE

摘要

An expandable stent that can transform between a collapsed state and an expanded state is described. The stent includes a first cross-sectional shape and a second cross-sectional shape. The first cross-sectional shape is a non-convex shape when the stent is in the collapsed state. Alternatively, the second cross-sectional shape is a convex shape when the stent is in an expanded state. The stent can be formed of super elastic Nitinol, which allows it to be shape set in the desired shape. Due to its shape setting properties and the non- convex cross-section, the stent is capable of dramatically reducing its cross-sectional radial profile which is beneficial in a variety of procedures.