Patent ID: 6964677
Filing Date: 2005-11-15
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. Implantable stent which is insertable as a support sleeve in a region of a vascular constriction that is initially expandable by means of a balloon catheter, the stent comprising a wall that is expandable radially and has a continuous break along at least one longitudinal side, openings are provided on edges that extend axially on both sides of the break, in a first working position the openings are covered and penetrated by at least one removable holding element so that the break is held closed or at a specified slot spacing during the initial expansion upon insertion, the axially extending break has at least one of a wave-like, zigzag or meander-like course, and includes tongues along one of the edges that are oriented in a first peripheral direction that engage in between tongues along the other of the edges that are oriented in an opposite peripheral direction, and wherein the openings are arranged in the tongues, and the stent is further radially expandable upon removal or dissolution of the removable holding element.