Patent ID: 6027529
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: A61F,Y10T

Abstract:
A body insertable prosthesis, including:a plurality of substantially helical strands forming a generally tubular structure, with the strands further forming multiple crossings of adjacent ones of the strands, including a plurality of secured crossings at which the adjacent strands are joined and plurality of unsecured crossings at which the adjacent strands are free for limited travel relative to one another;wherein the secured crossings, at least throughout a selected axial region of the tubular structure, are arranged in a pattern to selectively alter a radial stiffness of the tubular structure along the selected region; andwherein the tubular structure is radially enlargeable from a reduced-radius delivery state to a radially-enlarged state to achieve contact with tissue at a treatment site within a body lumen.