Patent ID: 8439963
Filing Date: 2013-05-14
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A device for maintaining fluid flow through at least one passage in a human or animal body, the device comprising first and second end portions for anchoring the device in position, and an intermediate portion therebetween, the end portions and intermediate portion being in the form of a tube that defines a lumen which acts as a pathway for fluid flow through the device, wherein the tube is made from a polymeric material and further comprises a first wire mesh and a second wire mesh, the first wire mesh extending from the first end portion of the device into the intermediate portion of the device, the second wire mesh extending from the second end portion into the intermediate portion of the device, wherein the winding density of the first and second wire meshes is relatively high in the first and second end portions but is lower in the intermediate portion so that the first and second end portions have high radial stiffness relative to the intermediate portion, wherein at least a portion of the first and second wire mesh is embedded within a wall of the tube; and wherein the intermediate portion is flexible relative to the end portions such that, in use of the device, the intermediate portion allows the first and second end portions to move relative to one another in response to movement of the at least one passage.