Patent ID: 7341598
Filing Date: 2008-03-11
Classification: A61F,A61M

Abstract:
1. A bifurcation stent, comprising: a tubular member having an inner diameter and an outer diameter defining a wall therebetween, the wall having a geometrical configuration defining a pattern; an expandable branch structure formed in the wall of the tubular structure and interrupting the wall pattern, the expandable branch structure having a first ring connected to the tubular member, a second ring connected to the first ring and a transition ring , the first ring being concentric with the second ring, the transition ring comprising a discontinuous portion; and at least one connecting member formed in the wall of the tubular structure, the at least one connecting member extending though the discontinuous portion of the transition ring and connecting the first ring to a portion of the wall pattern outside of the expandable branch structure; wherein the second ring substantially surrounds and defines a central branch opening; wherein the first ring and the second ring are movable from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration, in the unexpanded configuration the first and second rings are disposed along the wall and in the expanded configuration the first and second rings extend outwardly from the tubular member; and wherein an auxiliary access opening is defined between the first and second rings to provide access to a branch vessel in the unexpanded condition, the auxiliary access opening being larger than the central branch opening in the unexpanded configuration.