Patent ID: 7473272
Filing Date: 2009-01-06
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: stretching a self-expanding stent along a longitudinal axis of said self-expanding stent by pulling an end of said self-expanding stent along said longitudinal axis, wherein prior to said stretching, said self-expanding stent comprises: a plurality of segments having an alternating repeating pattern; each of said segments having connected crowns and unconnected crowns, wherein each cell of said self-expanding stent comprises two opposing unconnected crowns between adjacent connected crowns, said unconnected crowns comprising smooth curves; connectors extending between and connecting adjacent connected crowns of adjacent segments; said stretching comprising straightening said unconnected crowns such that said segments include straight sections between said adjacent connected crowns, said method further comprising allowing said unconnected crowns to return to said smooth curves such that said plurality of segments return to said alternating repeating pattern subsequent to said stretching.