Patent ID: 6352552
Filing Date: 2002-03-05
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
An expandable tubular reinforcing member used for a body lumen comprising,(a) a pair of end sections each constituted of an endless expandable element and having a preselected diameter, (b) an elongated element of sinuous configuration defining a plurality of U-bends extending between the end sections and spaced therefrom and being disposed in a helical configuration of said preselected diameter with the turns of the helix being spaced apart, (c) a plurality of first interconnecting strips, each having a bend, spanning the space between axially successive turns of the elongated element and interconnecting axially aligned proximate U-bends of the elongated element to define cells bounded by the elongated element and circumferentially successive first interconnecting strips, and (d) a plurality of second interconnecting strips, each having a bend, spanning the spaces between the elongated element and the pair of end elements and interconnecting the proximate U-bends of the elongated element nearest to the end sections to define cells bounded by the end sections, the elongated element and circumferentially successive second connecting strips.