MULTI-STAGE EXPANDABLE STENT-GRAFT

摘要

An improved device for use in a conduit, such as a blood vessel, is provided . The device uniquely combines desirable properties from two distinct previous devices. The device (10) of the present invention assumes and is constrained to a first diametrical dimension (14) for insertion into the conduit. Once inserted and properly positioned in the conduit the device (10) expands to a second diametrical dimension within the conduit when the constraint is removed. The device (10) can then be dilated to one or more enlarged third diametrical dimensions by using a balloon catheter or similar device. The result is a device (10) that provides desirable properties of both self- expanding stents and balloon-expandable endoprostheses. The device (10) can be employed in a variety of applications.