Patent ID: 6179878
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for implanting a composite stent device within a lumen of a patient, said method comprising the steps of:a. providing a composite stent comprising a tubular stent sleeve having a relaxed configuration, the stent sleeve made from a superelastic shape memory alloy such that the stent sleeve will exert an outward force when transversely constrained to a configuration smaller than the relaxed configuration, and a plastically deformable restraint element covering at least a portion of an exterior of the stent sleeve, the stent sleeve exerting an outward force on the restraint element, the restraint element having sufficient strength to prevent the stent sleeve from expanding to exert a force on a lumen of a vessel until plastic deformation of the restraint element by an expansion device; andb. inserting said composite stent within said lumen, deforming said composite stent towards said tubular stent sleeve's relaxed configuration by applying an outward force along an interior of said composite stent, and removing said outward force upon said composite stent making contact with an internal surface of said lumen.