BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a luminal prosthesis delivery system composed of multiple linked stents arranged axially along a delivery catheter.
FIG. 2A is a side view of a luminal prosthesis delivery system with multiple linked stents mounted on a delivery catheter and positioned in a vessel, at a target lesion site.
FIG. 2B is a side view illustrating a group of stent segments selected for deployment.
FIG. 2C is a side view illustrating the stent segments selected for deployment separated from the remaining stent segments.
FIG. 2D is a side view illustrating the selected stent segments being radially expanded while the remaining stent segments are left behind on the delivery catheter.
FIG. 3A shows one variation of a coupling mechanism for engaging adjacent stent segments with a T-shaped member engaging a set of jaws.
FIG. 3B illustrates the coupling mechanism in FIG. 3A with the jaws enclosed at least partially around the T-shaped member upon expansion or deployment of the stent segments.
FIG. 4A shows another variation of a coupling mechanism between adjacent stent segments with adjacent stent segments shown unrolled and flattened.
FIG. 4B is a detailed view of the coupling mechanism of FIG. 4A having projecting members which are keyed to be received in a secure manner within a corresponding receiving channel in the adjacent stent segment.
FIG. 4C shows the coupling mechanism of FIG. 4A-4B in the engaged position once the stent segments have been expanded or deployed.
FIG. 5A shows another variation of a coupling mechanism between adjacent stent segments with adjacent stent segments shown unrolled and flattened.
FIG. 5B is a detailed view of the coupling mechanism of FIG. 5A utilizing a pinching mechanism for engaging a projection extending from the adjacent stent segment.
FIG. 5C shows the coupling mechanism of FIG. 5B in the engaged position once the stent segments have been expanded or deployed.
FIG. 6A shows another variation of a coupling mechanism between adjacent stent segments with adjacent stent segments shown unrolled and flattened.
FIG. 6B illustrates a detailed view of the coupling mechanism of FIG. 6A utilizing a curved pinching or jaw mechanism for engaging a projection extending from the adjacent stent segment.
FIG. 6C illustrates the coupling mechanism of FIG. 6B in the engaged position once the stent segments have been expanded or deployed.
FIG. 6D illustrates a variation of the curved jaw mechanism with the jaw members projected at an angle relative to an axis of the coupling mechanism.
FIG. 6E illustrates another variation of the curved jaw mechanism with the jaw members projected parallel relative to one another.
FIG. 7A shows another variation of a coupling mechanism between adjacent stent segments with adjacent stent segments shown unrolled and flattened.
FIG. 7B shows a detailed view of the coupling mechanism of FIG. 7A utilizing pinching members which project parallel relative to one another.
FIG. 7C shows the coupling mechanism of FIG. 7B in the engaged position once the stent segments have been expanded or deployed.
FIG. 8A shows a detailed side view of an alternative coupling member which is rounded to facilitate its release and engagement between adjacent stent segments.
FIG. 8B shows a detailed side view of another alternative coupling member which is configured with one or more intra-stent cusps which facilitate and maintain a sufficient separation distance between adjacent stent segments.
FIGS. 8C and 8D illustrate the coupling member of FIG. 8B prior to and after engagement with the adjacent stent, respectively.
FIG. 9A illustrates yet another variation of a coupling mechanism between adjacent stent segments where pinching or grasping members are alternated between coupling members.
FIG. 9B illustrates another variation where pinching or grasping members are alternated in groups between coupling members.
FIG. 10 shows yet another variation which utilizes one or more single arms or coupling members which extend between adjacent stent segments.
FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate, respectively, the variation of FIG. 10 where a stent segment may utilize at least two arms positioned along each side of a stent segment and which swings into and locks against an opposing arm on an adjacent stent segment when expanded.
FIG. 12A shows another variation of a coupling mechanism between adjacent stent segments with adjacent stent segments shown unrolled and flattened.
FIGS. 12B and 12C show detailed views of the coupling mechanism of FIG. 12A having projecting members which pinch against one another in their secured configuration.
FIG. 13A shows another variation with adjacent stent segments having coupling mechanisms aligned in alternating pairs.
FIG. 13B shows a perspective view of the coupled stent segments of FIG. 13A.
FIGS. 14A and 14B show unexpanded stent segments uncoupled from one another.
FIG. 14C illustrates the expanded stent segments from FIGS. 14A and 14B with the coupling mechanism engaged to impart a shape to the stent assembly.
Patent Application
20070219613
