Abstract:
A medical device for use in the interior of a body lumen includes a balloon catheter and a radially expandable stent. The stent includes a plurality of zig-zags of a low memory metal formed into a hollow, open-ended cylindrical shape. The individual zig-zags have a curved portion forming a reversing bend which allows the zig-zags to expand and deform as the balloon radially expands the stent. The curved portions of the zig-zags are aligned along the length of the stent in a spaced-apart arrangement with some curved portions attached and others unattached to adjacent zig-zags. The resulting stent is longitudinally flexible throughout its length when unexpanded and is also capable of conforming to a bend in the body lumen when expanded.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/531,097 filed Mar. 21, 2000, now abandoned, which in turn is a continuation of Ser. No. 07/872,737 filed Apr. 22, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,621, which in turn is a continuation of Ser. No. 07/327,286 filed Mar. 22, 1989, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,133,732, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 07/109,686 filed Oct. 19, 1987, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,062. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to intravascular implants for maintaining vascular patency in humans and animals. The present invention comprises an open-ended wire formed device of basically cylinrical shape and made of a softer-then spring type metal and fitted over an inflatable element of a typical balloon type catheter such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,195,637 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,402,307. The wire formed device is intended to act as a permanent prosthesis stent and is implanted transluminarely. Specifically, this invention is characterized by the ability of said intravascular stent to be enlarged radially after having been introduced percutaneously, transported transluminarely and positioned at desired location. In additional this invention relates to a method whereby a permanent prosthesis stent is implanted at the same time the angioplasty procudure is being performed. This invention is particularly useful in transluminar implantation of a stent in the field of cardiology and especially in the case of coronary angioplasty to prevent restenosis. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   In my U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,992 a device is described in combination with a catheter which is basically a compression spring retained between a partially inflated balloon and an abuttment immediately behind the balloon on the catheter shaft. The intent is to transport the spring prosthesis in this manner to the desired location and then after a successful angioplasty procedure release said spring prosthesis by totally evacuating said balloon, thus allowing said spring prosthesis to expand linearly and stay in place while the balloon catheter is withdrawn. This method is quite simple and its simplicity is very attractive; however, it has some drawbacks. One and foremost is the fact that the spring has a fixed diameter and as such is unable to fully conform to the inside wall of the vessel which at times is quite tortuous and thus could conceivably create a somewhat turbulant flow of blood, and possible thrombosis could in some cases result. Other patents, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 4,553,545 teaches a different method where a relatively complex mechanical rotating device and co-axial cables are employed to achieve the necessary means to change the diameter of the implanted stent to a larger dimension at the point of implant. Still other patents, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,956 describes a method wherein a temperature responsive metallic device is used and expanded after implant using external heat sources. All of the above mentioned devices present drawbacks of various magnitudes including blood coagulation and possible thrombosis and considerable complexity of procedure. 
   In angioplasty procedures at this time, in many cases restenosis occurs soon thereafter, which requires a secondary procedure or a surgical bypass operation. The implanted prosthesis as described herein will preclude such additional procedures and will maintain vascular patency indefinitely. 
   Depending on the size used, the stent according to this invention can also be efficacious in other similar applications, such as: repairs of aneurysms, support of artificial vessels or liners of vessels, initial repairs of dissections and mechanical support to prevent collapsing of dialated vessels. Still many other and similar applications will be satisfied by this invention without departing from the basic prewise and concept. 
   This stent and the metod of its use particularly allows a single procedure to combine the essential angioplasty and a simultaneous implant of a permanent prosthesis designed and intended to prevent restenosis and further complications arising therefrom, also reducing the risk factor and trauma for the patient. 
   Another use of stents is for aortic dissection. 
   In the case of aortic dissection, especially a type III dissection of the descending aorta, there is no intravascular stent or prosthesis available, which is both long and flexible enough to repair a typical dissection extending the entire length from the point of origin down to the aortic bifurcation. Also, for the repair of the most difficult and most dangerous dissection, namely the type I which is that of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch, no stent is available today which could be used and be implanted intraluminarely for non-surgical repair of such a dissection. Most intravascular prosthesis and stent available today are of limited length and diameter and are especially limited in terms of flexibility and more specifically in terms of longitudinal flexibility unable to conform to tight bends and adhere to the walls of the intima and at the same time be flexible to stretch and move with each heartbeat such as experienced in the aortic arch. 
   Therefore, most such cases are treated medically. If surgery is necessary, it often requires the use of hypothermia and cardiopulonary bypass. Surgical procedures of this type involve high risk to the patient, a highly skilled team of cardiovascular surgeons and sophisticated equipment, because it requires the replacement of the affected region with an interpositional graft. High mortality and morbidity are associated with surgery in this region. This is especially true for the elderly and other poor candidates for a major surgery. The cost associated with such a surgical procedure is also very high. 
   Prior to the development of this invention, there has been no intravascular stent which would satisfy the following conditions necessary to contemplate a non-surgical repair of a dissecting aorta:
         a) To be long enough to extend from the base of the aortic arch down to the aortic bifurcation.   b) To be flexible longitudinally throughout its length.   c) To be radially expandable easily, a small section at a time using common dilatation balloon or similar expanding device designed for that purpose.   d) To be radially expandable to various diameters and to conform to tortuous conditions of a diseased aorta.   e) To be non-obstructive to all branches.   f) To be clearly visible on Floroscope both during deployment and post-operatively to visibly ascertain its condition, location and efficacy.   g) To be implantable permanently, retrograde and be able to completely obliterate a false lumen of a dissection and to maintain patency of the main lumen as well, as the patency of all side branches throughout its length.       

   Other reference publications:
         1. Self-Expanding Metalic Stents for Small Vessels  Radiology  1987-162.469–472.   2. Flexible Balloon-Expandable Stent for Small vessels,  Radiology , January 1987.   3. Intravascular Stents to Prevent Occlusion and Restenosis After Transluminar Angioplasty,  N.E.J. of M ., Mar. 19, 1987.   4. U.S. Pat. No. 4,580,568, Percutaneous Endovascular Stent.   5. U.S. Pat. No. 4,503,569, Transluminarely Placed Expandable Graft Prosthesis, Dotter 1985.   6. U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,992, Catheter Arrangement Having a Variable Diameter Tip and Spring Prosthesis, Wiktor 1987.   7. U.S. Pat. No. 4,681,110, Catheter Arrangement and Blood Vessel Liner, Wiktor 1987.       

   All of the above references describe and teach various methods of providing or otherwise offering and introducing stents of different types and designs for applications similar to the one described herein in this invention. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The improvement of this invention over other similar devices such as cited in patents above, and specifically my previus invention described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,992, is the ability of the device of this invention to allow for and to maintain a very low profile and a small frontal area, so very important for purposes of percutaneous insertion. Thus the stent of this invention can be inserted into and be transported via a standard #8F Guiding Catheter such as USCI Cat. #006128, while using standard procedures and methods. Once on location, the stent can be expanded radially to a diameter larger than initially introduced; a ratio of =2½:1 can easily be achieved with a wire diameter of 0.008 and initial stent diameter of 0.075. The expanded larger diameter will conform to the inside of the vessel and maintain intimate contact with the inside wall. The stent of this invention is characterized by the low memory level of the relatively easily deformable metal used for the wire. 
   The configuration of stent  1 , shown in  FIG. 1 , is such that the wire  2  is intially preformed into a two-dimensional zig-zag form  3 , basically creating a flat expandable band  3   a . The zig-zag pattern can vary as to its shape and tightness of the reversing bends, but for reasons of simple description a typical sinusoidal form is chosen to depict this band&#39;s construction. 
   In order to create the stent  1 , and to have it assume an initial configuration as shown in  FIG. 1 , also a subsequently radially expanded condition as shown in FIG.  5 , a length of preformed band  3   a  is wrapped on a suitable mandrel  4  in a manner similar to that of winding a simple helical spring again as shown in  FIG. 1 . Care is taken to form the wire band  3   a  flat around the mandrel  4  with little or no tension to prevent premature linear expansion of band  3   a.    
   Once the zig-zag band  3   a  is wound into a cylindrical shape, it is removed from the mandrel  4 , and is placed over a suitable variable diameter device such as an inflatable balloon  5  typically used for angioplasty procedures as shown in  FIG. 2 . A suitable forming tool (not shown) is used to tighten the stent over the balloon; manual operation of squeezing the stent over the balloon is also acceptable. 
   A controlled radial expansion of the stent is accomplished by the force generated by the inflating balloon. When acted upon by the inflating balloon, the stent of this invention being characterized by the zig-zag preformed wire band  3   a  subsequently formed into an open-ended cylindrical shape, is by design and intent capable to expand radially. 
   The radial expansion in effect is achieved by controlled deformation and tension applied to the sinusoidal pattern of the preformed wire band  3   a . The low memory metal used for the fabrication of the wire formed stent assures, that the radially expanded stent stays expanded thus fulfilling is preimary intent and function. Other advantages of this invention over those mentioned earlier Ref. 1 through 7, are the inherent post-expansion radial rigidity and linear flexibility, an excellent combination for an intravascular and especially intracoronary stent. In the case of intracoronary application, an overriding factor being the ability of allow for an extremely low profile and a very small frontal area so very essential for initial transluminar introduction and transportation through a standared 8F guiding catheter. 
   A major object of this invention is the provision of a preformed flexible wire stent which allows easy radial expansion and subsequent retention of the radially expanded shape well anchored within a vessel. Still anther object of this invention is the simplicity of its application, especially with respect to angioplasty, where one procedure accomplishes two distinct functions: In combination with the balloon it compresses the plaque, thus creating a recannalized lumen as characterized by angioplasty, and deploys and implants a permanent prosthesis within the newly created and recannalized lumen to prevent possible reclosure and restenosis thus allowing free flow of blood indefinitely. Both functions are performed simultaneously and with a single insertion of the catheter. 
   There is a need for a means to restrain an extra long stent from excessive stretching. This invention includes means for preventing a longitudinal overstretch of the stent, particularly during the initial introduction into the vessel where several constrictions occur. The introduction of the stretch limiting means quarantees a constant and uniform pitch of the helical wire formed coil throughout the entire length of the stent both in its non-expanded and especially in its expanded condition and still maintains full flexibility. The longitudinal stretch limiting means can take several forms including a straight wire placed on the outside of the tubular shaped stent spotwelded to each individual coil or alternately using a simple suture thread and tying each coil to the next. Another method found acceptable is to arrange the sinusoidal wave shape pattern where one wave shape out of a series is longer and can be bent to catch the wave of the adjacent coil. 
   The invention includes means for restraining coils of the helix from longitudinal movement relative to each other. In other words, means are provided for restraining lengthwise stretch of the coil. To one embodiment, the means includes a single lengthwise wire attached, for example, by welding to loops of the coil. In another embodiment, the loop of the coil is hooked over an adjacent loop to restrain longitudinal movement. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of a stent according to this invention being wound on a mandrel; 
       FIG. 2  is a side elevation showing an overall view of a stent prosthesis fitted over a deflated balloon; 
       FIG. 3  shows the balloon and stent assembly advanced within a vessel, approaching a partial occlusion; 
       FIG. 4  is similar to  FIG. 3  showing the balloon and stent assembly inside a partially occluded vessel; 
       FIG. 5  is similar to  FIG. 4 , the balloon inflated, and the stent radially expanded, illustrating the preferred method of an angioplasty procedure coupled with a simultaneous deployment and implantation of a permanent prosthesis stent; and 
       FIG. 6  is a view similar to  FIG. 5  showing the prosthesis stent implanted and plaque compressed and retained after removal of the balloon; 
       FIG. 7  shows the stent with one type of a longitudinal over-stretch limiting means; 
       FIG. 8  shows the stent yet with another means to prevent longitudinal over-stretch; 
       FIG. 9  shows a cross-sectional view of a typical dissection of the descending aorta including a false lumen and the expanding device and stent assembly advanced into position for first expansion; 
       FIG. 10  shows the same cross-section of the aorta as in  FIG. 9  with the flexible balloon pressurized with radio-opaque fluid and expanded; 
       FIG. 11  shows the aorta of  FIG. 10 , showing the first part of the stent fully expanded, origin of dissection obliterated and expanding device repositioned for next sequential expansion; 
       FIG. 12  depicts the next sequential expansion of the stent after  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 13  shows the stent fully expanded and implanted, false lumen obliterated and type III aortic dissection repaired, and expanding device withdrawn, procedure completed. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   For purposes of better and clearer understanding of this invention, reference is made to  FIGS. 1–6 . The preferred embodiment of this invention is shown and described in an application for angioplasty; however, it is understood that other applications not specifically mentioned herein are ossible and no limitations in scope of this invention are intended or implied without departing from the basic principles of this invention. 
     FIG. 1  shows the details of construction of the prosthesis stent  1 , hereafter called stent, which is basically of a hollow open-ended cylindrical shape. Stent  1  is basically a tubular shape of coiled preformed wire band typically wound on a suitable mandrel  4 . The wire is made of drawn low-memory level material such as stainless steel, titanium ASTM F63-83 Grade 1 or high carat gold K 19–22. Copper alloy typically 110 when properly coated with polyester or Teflon® can also be used. Titanium and gold are biologically compatible and inert and requires no special treatment. 
   In  FIG. 2 , it is shown that the stent  1  is centrally located and positioned with respect to the length of balloon  5  and that flat preformed wire band  3   a  turns are evenly spaced so that when stent  1  is expanded as shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 , stent  1  will provide even support inside vessel  8 , and be able to resist external loading. 
   In  FIG. 3 , it is shown how balloon and stent assembly  5   a  emenate from guiding catheter  9  inside vessel  8  and is advanced towards partial occlusion  10 . 
   In  FIG. 4 , it is shown how balloon and stent assembly  5   a  are located inside occlusion  10  within arter  8 , balloon  5  still being deflated. Once positively placed within occlusion  10 , balloon  5  is inflated using standard angioplasty procedures and techniques. As balloon  5  expands, so does the stent  1  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The expanding balloon  5  together with stent  1  compresses the plaque  7 , said plaque remains compressed and stent  1  retains said plaque  7  and prevents possible reocclusion. Angioplasty procedure complted, balloon  5  is deflated and withdrawn leaving stent  1  firmly implanted within vessel  8 . Previously occluded vessel  8  is now completely recannalized and patency is restored. 
     FIG. 6  shows stent  1  firmly implanted and imbedded in compressed plaque  7 , providing both adequate support as well as a smooth lumen void of all protrusions, a very desirable feature and condition, since any protrusions are conductive to turbulant blood flow and potential formation of thrombosis. 
   To test the viability of this novel principle of stent construction, a polyester-coated copper wire of 0.008 diameter was preformed into a zig-zag pattern  3  as shown in  FIG. 1  to form a band  3   a . This band was subsequently wound into a tubular shape with ends curled into tight loops  2   a  to prevent sharp ends of wire  2  from perforating balloon  5 . The tubular stent was placed over a 3.5 mm PTCA 20/3.5T balloon made by SciMed and fitted tightly over said balloon. The balloon and stent assembly was fed through an 8F guiding catheter into a silastic thin-wall tubing approximately 3 mm inside diameter and balloon was inflated with a standard 10 cc syringe using plain water. The expansion of the stent was observed and documented on video. Several subsequent tests of similar nature also using larger balloons typically MeadoxSurgimed A/S Cat. No. 700720 10 mm dia. and Medi. tech balloon 12 mm dia. were used with a stent made of polyester-coated copper wire 0.014″ dia. All tests showed near perfect expansion and “bench-type” implantations. Further experiments showed that multiple stents can be used in tandem. In fact, a typical balloon and stent assembly can be fed right through a previously implanted and expanded stent and be implanted downstream ahead of the previously implanted stent. A distinct advantage in real life situations. 
   Experimental laboratory tests on animals are now being conducted. Initial results are very encouraging and promising. Both intracoronary and intraaortic stents are being investigated at this time, a complete protocol is being prepared. 
   Five stents recently implanted in small arteries of pigs and expanded to 3.5 mm have successfully maintained 100% patency for several weeks and as of this date continue to do so. 
   In sparate experiment, a previously aortic dissection has been stopped by expanding a 10 mm diameter stent within said dissection. 
   The embodiment of the present invention involving means for preventing longitudinal overstretching is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Stent  20  has a generally cylindrical body  22  formed by winding wire  24  in the cylindrical shape, as discussed above. Wire  24  has an end  26  which has a loop  28  hooked over wire  24 . 
   Wire  24  has been formed with zig-zags or waves  30 , as in the embodiments discussed above. A longitudinal wire  32  is attached, preferably by welding, to waves  30  of wire  24  at points  34 . 
   Wire  32  prevents stent  20  from expanding along the longitudinal axis of wire  32 . Radial expansion of the cylindrical body  22  is accomplished by stretching waves  24 , as in the embodiments discussed above. 
   The structure of  FIG. 7  is particularly suitable for long stents which may be more susceptible to stretching. One example is in the case of aortic dissections. 
   In  FIG. 8 , it is illustrated an alternative embodiment of means for preventing longitudinal overstretch in a stent constructed according to the present invention. Stent  40  has a generally cylindrical body  42  formed of wire  44 . Wire  44  has zig-zags or waves  46 . 
   Certain of waves  46  are longer than others, such as waves  48 . In this embodiment, one out of four of waves  46  is elongated as is wave  48 . 
   Elongated waves  48  are bent to form a loop or hook  50 . Each hook  50  is looped over a wave  46  adjacent. The engagement of hooks  50  with previous waves  48  prevents longitudinal spread of the cylindrical body  42  of stent  40 . 
   In  FIG. 9 , a typical type III aortic dissection is illustrated where the aorta  50  is depicted in a cross-sectional view, and the flow of blood is shown by arrows  52 . Blood partially enters the origin of dissection  54 , creating a false lumen  56  by delaminating the aortic wall  58 . The expanding device such as balloon  60  and stent assembly  62  is shown in a side elevation view inside the aorta  50 . Balloon  60  is advanced to the point of origin of dissection  54 . Balloon  60  transports extra long stent  62  and positions it within the aorta  50  for initial steps of repair. In  FIG. 10 , balloon  7  is shown filled with radiopaque liquid. Balloon  60  expands the stent  63  into a nearly straight wire coil  64 , forcing the false lumen  56  to regress and at this point to re-laminate the aortic wall  58 . 
     FIG. 11  illustrates the expanding device  60  and stent  62  after the first stage of stent implant successfully completed, in a deflated and deactivated mode being repositioned for the next sequential procedure to expand the next portion of stent and to obliterate the next section of said false lumen  56 .  FIG. 12  illustrates the next portion of said false lumen  56  being obliterated by the expanding stent similar to that shown in  FIG. 12 . 
   Finally,  FIG. 13  illustrates the entire length of the aorta  50  having been fitted and lined with a long flexible stent  62 , said stent  62  being firmly implanted the false lumen completely obliterated and aortic dissection type III fully repaired. 
   For situations where a long stent may be subjected to longitudinal stretching, either during insertion or during physiologic movement, stents constructed according to the present invention improve upon the prior art by including means for preventing longitudinal stretch. While this improvement has been disclosed in terms of particular embodiment, the prevention of longitudinal stretch by coil-type stents is a desirable goal and is facilitated by this invention.