Patent ID: 7670366

Claim:
An implantable medical device, comprising: an expandable support frame having a plurality of struts, at least one of the struts having a lengthwise axis and defining an undulating path forming an annular structure and having a first portion having a first width, a second portion having a second width, and a third portion having a third width, the second and third portions comprising bends in the undulating path, the second and third widths being greater than the first width and the first portion disposed between the second and third portions; a graft sheet having an edge extending from inner and outer surfaces thereof, the edge in direct contact with a surface of the at least one of the struts of the expandable support frame; and at least one attachment element disposed circumferentially around the first portion of the at least one of the struts and through a thickness of the graft sheet; wherein each of the first, second, and third widths being measured on an axis disposed orthogonally to and in the same plane as the lengthwise axis of the at least one of the struts; wherein the edge of the graft member is free of direct contact with the second and third portions of the at least one of the struts.