Patent ID: 6494907
Filing Date: 2002-12-17
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A method for implanting a radially expandable stent within a body vessel, which comprises the steps of:(a) providing a stent having one or more continuous, discrete, metal strands, each strand having a proximal and a distal end; (b) braiding a first, second, and third strand together to form a bundle, wherein a pattern is repeated such that, the first strand crosses over the second strand and under the third strand; the second strand crosses over the third strand and under the first strand; and the third strand crosses under the second strand and over the first strand, the strands being joined at the proximal and distal end such that the strands are free to adjust their position relative to each other in response to compression forces, wherein the bundle is helically wound to form an elongate coil having a first diameter with the coil being releasably secured to a catheter; (c) inserting the catheter into the body vessel; (d) advancing the catheter through the body vessel until the coil is positioned at a desired site within the body vessel; (e) radially expanding at least a portion of the coil to a second diameter within the body vessel at the desired site such that at least the portion of the coil engages and supports the body vessel, with the second diameter being greater than the first diameter; (f) releasing the coil from the catheter; and (g) removing the catheter from the body vessel.