Patent ID: 8048146
Filing Date: 2011-11-01
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for inserting a radiopaque marker in an endoprosthesis, comprising: a. fabricating an endoprosthesis including a plurality of annular elements, each of said annular elements composed of a plurality of interconnected strut members each having a first end and a second end, wherein at least one of the annular elements includes a foot extension extending between at least one pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members, the foot extension having a first foot portion extending circumferentially from the first end of one of the circumferentially-adjacent strut members and a second foot portion extending circumferentially from the first end of the other of the circumferentially-adjacent strut members, the first and second foot portions joined at a toe portion to form an open foot region defined by a boundary of the first foot portion, the second foot portion, and the toe portion, a portion of the open foot region longitudinally aligned with one of the circumferentially adjacent strut members, the at least one foot extension disposed at an end of the endoprosthesis, the endoprosthesis further having at least one eyelet extending longitudinally-outward from the at least one foot extension at the end of the endoprosthesis and sized to receive a radiopaque marker member therein; b. pre-forming a first head on the radiopaque marker member; c. disposing the radiopaque marker member within the at least one eyelet of the endoprosthesis, wherein said first head projects above a surface of the endoprosthesis; and d. forming a second head on a second end of the radiopaque marker member, said second head projecting above a second surface of the endoprosthesis.