Patent ID: 8585751
Filing Date: 2013-11-19
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of use for a tubular member having a nondeployed state and capable of undergoing an expansion deformation to a deployed state within a tubular vessel of the body that is exposed to an external force, said method comprised of, A. expanding said tubular member to the deployed state by deforming hinges of said tubular member plastically by an expansion device, B. exposing said tubular member to the external force wherein struts of said tubular member remain below their elastic limit and therefore flex elastically and not plastically in the radial direction during a crush deformation that places said tubular member into an oval shape, C. said hinges having a radial dimension that is greater than a radial dimension of said struts thereby not deforming said hinges during exposure of said tubular member to the external forces, D. said hinges having a hinge length, said hinge length extending along a path that undergoes bending during the expansion deformation, said hinge length being shorter than three times a hinge width, said hinge being bounded by two surfaces that lie in the radial direction, said hinge width being equal to the distance between said surfaces.