Patent ID: 6210429
Filing Date: 2001-04-03
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A method of positioning a main stent comprising a stent body having a side hole at a vessel bifurcation, said method comprising:positioning the main stent within a main vessel at the bifurcation so that the side hole is aligned with an ostium of a branch vessel, wherein the side hole comprises an opening surrounded by an expandable portion that is integrally formed with the stent body, wherein the expandable portion is flush with the stent body during positioning of the main stent within the main vessel;expanding the main stent within the main vessel; andexpanding the expandable portion of the side hole by inflating a balloon which extends through the side hole into the branch vessel, wherein expanding the expandable portion further comprises expanding the expandable portion radially and in at least a partially perpendicular manner relative to the stent body so as to extend into the branch vessel.