RATCHETING BIO CELL DESIGNS

摘要

A bifurcated stent having a side branch constructed out of a bioabsorbable material. The side branch comprises one or more bio cells which are flexible and easily deformable when the stent is in the unexpanded state. The bio cells have a locking member which fixedly holds the bio cells in place once the stent assumes the expanded state. The locking member uses oppositely directed hooks or ratchet teeth to prevent contraction in the bio cells once the expanded state is assumed. By having an appropriate alternation between flexibility and rigidity the side branch is flexible enough to deal with the geometric difficulties of bending and deploying a side branch while being fixed and rigid enough to properly support and scaffold a side branch assembly. The deployment of the side branch can be facilitated by the use of a ratcheting device. The side branch can also have a flared shape.