Patent ID: 9526638
Filing Date: 2016-12-27
CPC Classification: A61F

Claim Text:
1. A method comprising: providing (a) structural stent elements, at least a portion of which are shaped so as to define (i) a generally circumferential band, and (ii) a plurality of engagement members that (x) are joined to and extend radially inwardly from the band, and (y) have respective curved portions, wherein the curved portion of each of the engagement members joins respective ends of two stent element portions of the engagement member, and (b) an elongated latch member which is threaded through the engagement members, thereby physically latching the engagement members; transvascularly introducing the band into a blood vessel of a mammalian subject while the band is positioned in a hollow, elongated delivery shaft, with the latch member threaded through and thus physically latching the engagement members, such that the curved portions pass around the latch member, the latch member holds the curved portions radially centered within the band at a central longitudinal axis of the band, and the engagement members retain the band in a radially-compressed state; and thereafter, transitioning the band to a radially-expanded state by removing the latch member from the engagement members, wherein transvascularly introducing comprises advancing the delivery shaft to a target site in the blood vessel, and thereafter sliding the band through at least a portion of the delivery shaft while the band is retained by the latch member in the radially-compressed state.