Patent ID: 7731743
Filing Date: 2010-06-08
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A stent-graft, comprising: a tubular graft having a wall generally defining a circumference and having a lumen therein, the lumen extending axially between first and second open ends of the tubular graft; an exo-skeleton for supporting the wall of the tubular graft, the exo-skeleton comprising a plurality of generally annular-shaped support elements distributed axially along the wall of the tubular graft, each support element including generally axial segments and generally circumferential segments, wherein each of the plurality of support elements comprises a generally sinusoidal shaped member which extends circumferentially around the wall of the tubular graft; a plurality of first fasteners for attaching the plurality of support elements to the wall of the tubular graft, at least one generally axial segment being slidably engaged by each first fastener; and a plurality of second fasteners for attaching the plurality of support elements to the wall of the tubular graft, each second fastener substantially anchoring a segment of the respective support element to the wall of the tubular graft.