Braided stent with improved flexibility - Patents.com

Abstract

The stent includes an elongate tubular member expandable from a radially collapsed configuration to a radially expanded configuration, the elongate tubular member including a first plurality of filaments extending in a first helical direction and a second plurality of filaments extending in a second helical direction, the first plurality of filaments extending in the first helical direction and the second plurality of filaments extending in the second helical direction overlapping to form a plurality of cells arranged in rows extending circumferentially around the elongate tubular member, at least some of the cells in one or more rows are adapted to provide the stent with increased flexibility.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to medical devices and methods of making and using medical devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to stents for implantation in a body lumen and related methods. [Background technology]

[0002] Implantable medical devices (e.g., expandable stents) can be designed to treat various conditions within the body. For example, some expandable stents may be designed to radially expand to support a body lumen and / or provide a fluid pathway for digestive matter, blood, or other fluids to flow therethrough after a medical procedure. Some medical devices may include radially expandable stents or self-expanding stents that can be implanted transluminally by various medical device delivery systems. These stents can be implanted in various body lumens, such as coronary or peripheral arteries, esophageal tract, gastrointestinal tract (including intestines, stomach, and colon), tracheobronchial tract, urinary tract, bile duct, vasculature, etc. In some cases, it may be desirable to design a stent to include sufficient flexibility while maintaining sufficient radial force to open a body lumen at a treatment site.

[0003] Thus, in some cases, it may be desirable to design a stent with improved flexibility.Disclosed herein are examples of medical devices that include improved flexibility. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing, and use alternatives for medical devices. As an example, a stent includes an elongated tubular member expandable from a radially collapsed configuration to a radially expanded configuration, the elongated tubular member including a first plurality of filaments extending in a first helical direction and a second plurality of filaments extending in a second helical direction, the first plurality of filaments extending in the first helical direction and the second plurality of filaments extending in the second helical direction overlapping to form a plurality of cells arranged in rows extending circumferentially around the elongated tubular member. At least some of the cells in one or more rows are adapted to provide the stent with increased flexibility.

[0005] Alternatively or additionally, at least some of the first plurality of filaments and at least some of the second plurality of filaments in one or more of the rows may be trimmed to disrupt at least some of the cells, thereby increasing flexibility of the stent.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally, at least some of the plurality of cells may have a generally diamond shape having four sides formed by a pair of filaments of the first plurality of filaments extending in a first helical direction and a pair of filaments of the second plurality of filaments extending in a second helical direction.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally, the divided cells may comprise generally diamond-shaped cells with at least one of the four sides removed. Alternatively or additionally, the stent may further include a polymeric coating extending along the elongate tubular member.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally, one or more columns of cells may include at least one intact cell and a number of disconnected cells. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the rows of cells may include only interrupted cells, thereby dividing the elongate tubular member into two or more separate segments.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, a first segment of the two or more separate segments may have a first end having a plurality of cells in a first end row, and a second segment of the two or more separate segments may have a second end having a plurality of cells in a second end row, and the second segment may be rotated relative to the first segment such that the plurality of cells in the first end row are nested between the plurality of cells in the second end row.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, a first segment of the two or more separate segments may have a first braid pattern and a second segment of the two or more separate segments may have a second braid pattern that is different from the first braid pattern.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the first braid pattern may differ from the second braid pattern in one or more of filament count, braid angle, and filament diameter. Alternatively or additionally, two or more separate segments may be joined together by a fastening element woven between adjacent segments.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the fixation element may include a filament. Alternatively or additionally, two or more separate segments may be formed by severing all of the cells in a column of cells.

[0013] As another example, a braided stent includes an elongated tubular member expandable from a radially collapsed configuration to a radially expanded configuration. The elongated tubular member includes a first segment having a first plurality of filaments extending in a left-to-right helical direction and a second plurality of filaments extending in a right-to-left helical direction, the first and second plurality of filaments together forming a first plurality of cells arranged in a row extending circumferentially around the first segment. The elongated tubular member includes a second segment having a third plurality of filaments extending in a left-to-right helical direction and a fourth plurality of filaments extending in a right-to-left helical direction, the third and fourth plurality of filaments together forming a second plurality of cells arranged in a row extending circumferentially around the second segment. The first and second segments are bonded together to provide the braided stent with increased flexibility.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, the first segment and the second segment may be coupled to one another by having one or more of a third plurality of filaments that are an extension of one or more of the first plurality of filaments and / or by having one or more of a fourth plurality of filaments that are an extension of one or more of the second plurality of filaments.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, the first segment and the second segment may be bonded to one another by a continuous polymer layer that extends across at least a portion of the first segment and at least a portion of the second segment.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the first segment may have a first end having a plurality of cells in a first end row and the second segment may have a second end having a plurality of cells in a second end row. The first and second segments may be coupled to one another by a fastening element interwoven between the plurality of cells in the first end row and the plurality of cells in the second end row.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, the braided stent may further include a third segment having a fifth plurality of filaments extending in a left-to-right helical direction and a sixth plurality of filaments extending in a right-to-left helical direction, where the first and second plurality of filaments together form a first plurality of cells arranged in a row extending circumferentially around the first segment, and the second and third segments may be bonded to one another to provide the braided stent with increased flexibility.

[0018] In another example, a braided stent includes an elongated tubular member expandable from a radially collapsed configuration to a radially expanded configuration, the elongated tubular member having a plurality of cells arranged in rows extending circumferentially around the elongated tubular member, at least some of the plurality of cells adapted to increase flexibility of the stent.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the elongate tubular member may include a first plurality of filaments extending in a first helical direction and a second plurality of filaments extending in a second helical direction, the first plurality of filaments extending in the first helical direction and the second plurality of filaments extending in the second helical direction overlapping to form a plurality of cells arranged in rows extending circumferentially around the elongate tubular member, and at least some of the first plurality of filaments and at least some of the second plurality of filaments in one or more of the plurality of rows are trimmed to disrupt at least some of the cells, thereby increasing flexibility of the stent.

[0020] The above summary of some embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The following figures and detailed description more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

[0021] The present invention may be more fully understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the exemplary stent of FIG. 1. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the exemplary stent of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the exemplary stent of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the exemplary stent of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 12A] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of the exemplary stent of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a side view of a portion of an exemplary stent. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line 13A-13A of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line 14A-14A of FIG. [Figure 14B] 14B is a schematic cross-sectional side view taken along line 14B-14B of FIG. 14. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 15A] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 19A] FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a portion of the exemplary stent of FIG. 19. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 20A] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 20. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] While the present disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, details thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification. In this specification, all numerical values, whether expressly stated or not, are assumed to be modified by the term "about." The term "about" generally refers to a range of numerical values ​​that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, the term "about" can include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0025] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5). As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally used in its sense including "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0026] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0027] In some cases, it may be desirable to provide an intraluminal implant or stent that can deliver luminal patency to patients with esophageal strictures or other medical conditions. Such stents may sometimes be used in patients experiencing dysphagia due to esophageal cancer. Esophageal stents may allow patients to maintain nutrition by oral intake during cancer treatment or palliative periods. Some stents have woven or braided configurations that provide good radial strength with minimal shortening, which may be desirable in esophageal and tracheobronchial applications, as well as some post-bariatric surgery applications. Although the embodiments disclosed herein are discussed with reference to esophageal stents, it is contemplated that the stents described herein may be used and sized for use in other locations, such as, but not limited to, body tissues, body organs, vascular cavities, non-vascular cavities, and combinations thereof, such as, but not limited to, the coronary or peripheral vasculature, trachea, bronchi, colon, small intestine, bile duct, urinary tract, prostate, brain, stomach, etc.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary intraluminal implant 10, such as, but not limited to, a stent. In some cases, the stent 10 may take the form of an elongated tubular member. Although the stent 10 is described and illustrated as being generally tubular, it is contemplated that the stent 10 may take any cross-sectional shape desired. The stent 10 may have a first or proximal end 12, a second or distal end 14, and an intermediate region 16 disposed between the first end 12 and the second end 14. The stent 10 may include a lumen 18, which extends from a first opening adjacent the first end 12 to a second opening adjacent the second opening 14 to allow the passage of food, fluids, and the like.

[0029] Stent 10 may be expandable from a first radially folded configuration (not explicitly shown) to a second radially expanded configuration. In some cases, stent 10 may be deployed to a configuration between the folded configuration and the expanded configuration, i.e., stent 10 may be deployed with a deployed diameter that is larger than the diameter of stent 10, or a particular portion thereof, while in the folded configuration, but smaller than the diameter of stent 10, or a particular portion thereof, while in the fully expanded configuration. In some cases, the anatomical structure in which stent 10 is deployed may affect its deployed configuration. For example, if the anatomical structure in which stent 10 is deployed has a diameter smaller than the diameter of stent 10, or a particular portion thereof, when fully expanded, stent 10 may have a deployed diameter that is intermediate between the diameter of its folded configuration and the diameter of its fully expanded configuration.

[0030] The stent 10 may be formed from a plurality of interwoven filaments. For example, the stent 10 may have a braided structure manufactured from a plurality of filaments including a first plurality of filaments each extending in a first helical direction and a second plurality of filaments each extending in a second helical direction. The filaments of the stent 10 may be made from a number of different materials, such as, but not limited to, metals, metal alloys, shape memory alloys and / or polymers, as appropriate, and are contemplated to allow the stent 10 to expand and assume a shape when correctly positioned within the anatomy. In some cases, the material may be selected to allow the stent 10 to be relatively easily removed. For example, the stent 10 may be formed from alloys, such as, but not limited to, Nitinol and Elgiloy®. Depending on the materials selected for the construction of the stent 10, the stent 10 may be self-expanding, i.e., configured to automatically radially expand when unconstrained. In some cases, stent 10 may not be self-expanding and therefore may not resume its fully expanded configuration without the assistance of an expansion device, such as, but not limited to, an inflatable balloon disposed within lumen 18. As used herein, the term "self-expanding" refers to the tendency of stent 10 to return to a preprogrammed diameter when unconstrained by an external biasing force, e.g., a delivery catheter or sheath. Although not shown, stent 10 may include a one-way valve, such as an elastomeric slit valve or duckbill valve, positioned within lumen 18 to prevent, for example, the backflow of gastrointestinal fluids.

[0031] In some cases, in the radially expanded configuration, the stent 10 may include a first end region 20 proximate the first end 12 and a second end region 22 proximate the second end 14. In some cases, as shown, the first end region 20 and the second end region 22 may include a retention feature or anti-migration flared region having an enlarged diameter relative to the intermediate region 16. The anti-migration flared region may be positioned adjacent the first end 12 and / or the second end 14 and may be configured to engage an interior portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the retention feature or flared region may have a larger diameter than the intermediate region 16 of the stent 10 to prevent the stent 10 from migrating after being placed in the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the transition from the cross-sectional region of the intermediate region 16 to the retention feature or flared region may occur in a gradual, sloped, or abrupt step-like manner, as desired.

[0032] In some cases, the first anti-migration flare region may have a first outer diameter and the second anti-migration flare region may have a second outer diameter. In some cases, the first and second outer diameters may be substantially the same, while in other cases, the first and second outer diameters may be different. In some cases, the stent 10 may include only one of the anti-migration flare regions or may not include any anti-migration flare regions. For example, the first end region 20 may include an anti-migration flare and the second end region 22 may have a similar outer diameter as the mid-region 16. It is further contemplated that the second end region 22 may include an anti-migration flare and the first end region 20 may have a similar outer diameter as the mid-region 16. In some embodiments, the stent 10 may have a uniform outer diameter from the first end 12 to the second end 14. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the mid-region 16 may be in the range of 15 to 25 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. The outer diameter of the anti-migration flare may range from 20 to 30 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. It is contemplated that the outer diameter of the stent 10 may be varied to suit a desired application.

[0033] In some cases, the stent 10 includes a first plurality of filaments extending in a first helical direction and a second plurality of filaments extending in a second helical direction. The stent 10 includes, for example, individual filaments 24a, 24b, and 24c, each extending in a first helical direction. The stent 10 includes additional filaments (not referenced) extending in a first helical direction. The first helical direction can be considered to extend in a clockwise direction, from left to right or from proximal to distal. The stent 10 includes, for example, individual filaments 26a, 26b, and 26c, each extending in a second helical direction. The stent 10 includes additional filaments (not referenced) extending in a second helical direction. The second helical direction can be considered to extend in a clockwise direction, from right to left or from distal to proximal.

[0034] 1A, it can be seen that the individual filaments are braided, i.e., the individual braids extend above and below each other. For example, individual filament 24a extends below individual filament 26a, above individual filament 26b, below individual filament 26c, and so on. A similar relationship exists for each of the individual filaments forming stent 10. It will be understood that cell 28a is formed by the intersection of individual filaments 24a, 24b, 26a, and 26b. Cell 28b is formed by the intersection of individual filaments 24b, 24c, 26a, and 26b. Cell 28c is formed by the intersection of individual filaments 24b, 24c, 26b, and 26c. Each of cells 28a, 28b, and 28c can be considered to be a diamond shape having four sides of approximately equal length. In some cases, depending on the relative angles at which the first and second helical directions respectively extend, at least some of the cells may have, for example, two sides that are somewhat shorter and two sides that are somewhat longer than the other. Cells 28a and 28c can be considered to be in a single row extending circumferentially around stent 10, while cell 28b can be considered to be in an adjacent row extending circumferentially around stent 10.

[0035] Stent 10 may include any number of filaments extending in a first helical direction and any number of filaments extending in a second helical direction. In some cases, stent 10 may have an equal number of filaments extending in the first and second helical directions. In some cases, stent 10 may have a relatively large number of filaments extending in the first helical direction and a relatively small number of filaments extending in the second helical direction. Stent 10 may, for example, have a relatively small number of filaments extending in the first helical direction and a relatively large number of filaments extending in the second helical direction. Stent 10 may also include one or more filaments extending in a longitudinal direction, for example. In some cases, stent 10 may have 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or more filaments extending in the first helical direction and 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12, or more filaments extending in the second helical direction.

[0036] It will be appreciated that in many cases, performance requirements for a stent, such as stent 10, may be in conflict. For example, strength, including axial and radial strength, versus flexibility is a common conflict when designing medical devices such as stents. Building a stent that can conform to potentially tortuous anatomy may conflict with the desire to provide the desired strength. Building a stent that stays in place and does not move may conflict with the desire that the stent may be able to move or even be removed. These are merely examples. In some cases, stent 10 may include one or more features that may enhance the flexibility of stent 10 while retaining the desired axial and / or radial strength.

[0037] In some cases, the flexibility of the stent 10, or at least a portion thereof, may be increased by cutting or otherwise removing portions of individual filaments. For example, the stent 10 includes a first void 30 and a second void 32. In some cases, the first void 30 and the second void 32 may be separate voids. As shown, there is a single intact cell 34 disposed between the first void 30 and the second void 32. There may be a similar intact cell (not visible) on the back side of the stent 10 disposed between the first void 30 and the second void 32. In some cases, the first void 30 and the second void 32 may actually be common to each other on the back side of the stent 10, with no intervening intact cell. The first void 30 and the second void 32 align with a single circumferential row of the stent 10, although in some cases the first void 30 and / or the second void 32 may be multiple rows wide. As described below, in some cases, stent 10 may include a plurality of voids extending at least partially circumferentially around stent 10, and the voids may be disposed at a plurality of axial positions (a plurality of spaced apart rows) spaced longitudinally along stent 10.

[0038] The first voids 30 and the second voids 32 may extend circumferentially around the stent 10 at a first axial location of the stent 10, or each of the first voids 30 and the second voids 32 may extend circumferentially around the stent 10 at first and second axially spaced locations of the stent 10, as desired. The first voids 30 and / or the second voids 32 may extend circumferentially around any desired arc length of the circumference of the stent 10. For example, each of the first voids 30 and / or the second voids 32 may extend circumferentially around the circumference of the stent 10 by 30 degrees or more, 40 degrees or more, 45 degrees or more, 60 degrees or more, 75 degrees or more, 85 degrees or more, 90 degrees or more, 120 degrees or more, 150 degrees or more, or 180 degrees or more.

[0039] 2 provides an enlarged view of a portion of the stent 10. It can be seen that a single intact cell 34 is formed by the intersection of filaments 36a and 36b extending in a first helical direction with filaments 38a and 38b extending in a second helical direction. The first void 30 is formed by cutting or otherwise removing a portion of filaments 40a, 40b, and 40c extending in a first helical direction and cutting or otherwise removing a portion of filaments 42a, 42b, and 42c extending in a second helical direction. Depending on the number of filaments included in the stent 10 and the overall dimensions of the first void 30, additional filaments extending in the first and / or second helical directions may also have portions cut or otherwise removed. The second voids 32 are formed by cutting or otherwise removing a portion of the filaments 44a, 44b, and 44c extending in the first helical direction and cutting or otherwise removing a portion of the filaments 46a, 46b, and 46c extending in the second helical direction. The cells that are no longer intact can be considered to be interrupted cells, i.e., cells that were previously defined by removed portions of the filaments of the braided tubular member, thereby allowing multiple cells to be joined together without intervening filaments between them.

[0040] The disconnected cells can be formed by cutting away portions of the individual filaments, thus allowing multiple cells to be joined together without intervening filaments between them. This can include laser cutting the individual filaments. Although not explicitly shown, in some cases, at least some of the cut filament ends can be welded together to secure the remaining cells. In some cases, this can include sawing or even grinding the individual filaments. In some cases, regardless of the procedure used in removing portions of the individual filaments, the individual filaments can have cut ends that extend slightly beyond the intersecting filaments. As an example, looking at the missing portion cut from individual filament 40b, it can be seen that the cut ends of individual filament 40b extend slightly beyond individual filaments 42a and 42b.

[0041] The disconnected cells may be formed at any stage of manufacturing the stent 10. In some cases, the stent 10 is braided and annealed to set the memory shape of the stent 10 before any of the disconnected cells are formed. By annealing the stent 10 before cutting any portion of any of the individual filaments, the cut ends of any disconnected filaments tend to "remember" their shape and therefore remain in place. In some embodiments, the interior and / or exterior surfaces of the stent 10 may be entirely, substantially, or partially covered with a polymeric covering or coating 48 (shown by a dotted line pattern). The covering or coating 48 may extend over both intact cells as well as disconnected cells. The covering or coating 48 may aid, for example, in reducing food impaction and / or tumor or tissue ingrowth. In some cases, the covering or coating 48 may be dip coated onto the stent 10 after the voids 30 and 32 are formed. The covering or coating 48 may be spray coated onto the stent 10 after the voids 30 and 32 are formed. In some cases, the covering or coating 48 may be formed from any desired polymeric material. The covering or coating 48 may also help the stent 10 retain its shape even after the filaments are trimmed or otherwise removed. The covering or coating 48 may also help prevent tissue ingrowth into the first void 30 and / or the second void 32.

[0042] 3 is a side view of an exemplary intraluminal implant 50, such as, but not limited to, a stent. Stent 50 can take the form of an elongated tubular member, although stent 50 can take any cross-sectional shape desired. For example, stent 50 can have a braided structure fabricated from a plurality of filaments including a first plurality of filaments each extending in a first helical direction and a second plurality of filaments each extending in a second helical direction.

[0043] Stent 50 may have a first or proximal end 12, a second or distal end 14, and an intermediate region 16 disposed between the first and second ends 12, 14. Stent 50 may include a lumen 18 that extends from a first opening adjacent the first end 12 to a second opening adjacent the second end 14 to allow the passage of food, fluids, and the like.

[0044] The stent 50 may be expandable from a first radially folded configuration (not explicitly shown) to a second radially expanded configuration. In some cases, the stent 50 may be deployed to a configuration between the folded configuration and the expanded configuration, i.e., the stent 50 may be deployed with a deployed diameter that is larger than the diameter of the stent 50, or a particular portion thereof, while in the folded configuration, but smaller than the diameter of the stent 50, or a particular portion thereof, while in the fully expanded configuration. In some cases, the anatomical structure in which the stent 50 is deployed may affect its deployed configuration. For example, if the anatomical structure in which the stent 50 is deployed has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the stent 50, or a particular portion thereof, when fully expanded, the stent 50 may have a deployed diameter that is intermediate between the diameter of its folded configuration and the diameter of its fully expanded configuration.

[0045] In some cases, in the radially expanded configuration, the stent 50 may include a first end region 20 proximate the first end 12 and a second end region 22 proximate the second end 14. In some cases, as shown, the first end region 20 and the second end region 22 may include a retention feature or anti-migration flared region having an enlarged diameter relative to the intermediate region 16. The anti-migration flared region may be positioned adjacent the first end 12 and / or the second end 14 and may be configured to engage an interior portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the retention feature or flared region may have a larger diameter than the intermediate region 16 of the stent 50 to prevent the stent 50 from migrating after being placed in the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the transition from the cross-sectional region of the intermediate region 16 to the retention feature or flared region may occur in a gradual, sloped, or abrupt step-like manner, as desired.

[0046] In some cases, the first anti-migration flare region may have a first outer diameter and the second anti-migration flare region may have a second outer diameter. In some cases, the first and second outer diameters may be substantially the same, while in other cases, the first and second outer diameters may be different. In some cases, the stent 50 may include only one of the anti-migration flare regions or may not include any anti-migration flare regions. For example, the first end region 20 may include an anti-migration flare and the second end region 22 may have a similar outer diameter as the mid-region 16. It is further contemplated that the second end region 22 may include an anti-migration flare and the first end region 20 may have a similar outer diameter as the mid-region 16. In some embodiments, the stent 50 may have a uniform outer diameter from the first end 12 to the second end 14. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the mid-region 16 may be within a range of 15 to 25 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. The outer diameter of the anti-migration flare may range from 20 to 30 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. It is contemplated that the outer diameter of stent 50 may be varied to suit a desired application.

[0047] In some cases, the flexibility of the stent 50, or at least a portion thereof, may be increased by cutting or otherwise removing portions of the individual filaments. For example, the stent 50 includes a first void 52 and a second void 54. In some cases, the first void 52 and the second void 54 may be separate voids. In some cases, the first void 52 and the second void 54 may actually be joined to each other on the back side of the stent 50 (not shown). As described below, in some cases, the stent 50 may include multiple voids that extend at least partially circumferentially around the stent 50, and the voids may be located at multiple axial positions (multiple spaced rows) spaced apart longitudinally along the stent 50.

[0048] The first voids 52 and the second voids 54 may extend circumferentially around the stent 50 at a first axial location of the stent 50, or each of the first voids 52 and the second voids 54 may extend circumferentially around the stent 50 at first and second axially spaced locations of the stent 50, as desired. The first voids 52 and / or the second voids 54 may extend circumferentially around any desired arc length of the circumference of the stent 50. For example, each of the first voids 52 and / or the second voids 54 may extend circumferentially around the circumference of the stent 50 by 30 degrees or more, 40 degrees or more, 45 degrees or more, 60 degrees or more, 75 degrees or more, 85 degrees or more, 90 degrees or more, 120 degrees or more, 150 degrees or more, or 180 degrees or more.

[0049] 4 provides an enlarged view of a portion of stent 50. In contrast to stent 10 (FIG. 2), which includes a single intact cell formed by the intersection of filaments 36a and 36b extending in a first helical direction with filaments 38a and 38b extending in a second helical direction, stent 50 does not include an intact cell within the circumferential row of cells that includes first void 52 and second void 54. Rather, only a single filament 56 extending in a first helical direction and a single filament 58 extending in a second helical direction are all that separate first void 52 from second void 54, at least in the visible portion of stent 50. It will be appreciated that stent 50 may have additional flexibility, at least in the regions of first void 52 and second void 54, relative to, for example, voids 30 and 32 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0050] 5 is a side view of an exemplary intraluminal implant 60, such as, but not limited to, a stent. Stent 60 can take the form of an elongated tubular member, although stent 60 can take any cross-sectional shape desired. For example, stent 60 can have a braided structure fabricated from a plurality of filaments including a first plurality of filaments each extending in a first helical direction and a second plurality of filaments each extending in a second helical direction.

[0051] Stent 60 may have a first or proximal end 12, a second or distal end 14, and an intermediate region 16 disposed between the first end 12 and the second end 14. Stent 60 may include a lumen 18 extending from a first opening adjacent the first end 12 to a second opening adjacent the second opening 14 to allow the passage of food, fluids, and the like.

[0052] Stent 60 may be expandable from a first radially folded configuration (not explicitly shown) to a second radially expanded configuration. In some cases, stent 60 may be deployed to a configuration between the folded configuration and the expanded configuration, i.e., stent 60 may be deployed with a deployed diameter that is larger than the diameter of stent 60, or a particular portion thereof, while in the folded configuration, but smaller than the diameter of stent 60, or a particular portion thereof, while in the fully expanded configuration. In some cases, the anatomical structure in which stent 60 is deployed may affect its deployed configuration. For example, if the anatomical structure in which stent 60 is deployed has a diameter smaller than the diameter of stent 60, or a particular portion thereof, when fully expanded, stent 60 may have a deployed diameter that is intermediate between the diameter of its folded configuration and the diameter of its fully expanded configuration.

[0053] In some cases, in the radially expanded configuration, the stent 60 may include a first end region 20 proximate the first end 12 and a second end region 22 proximate the second end 14. In some cases, as shown, the first end region 20 and the second end region 22 may include a retention feature or anti-migration flared region having an enlarged diameter relative to the intermediate region 16. The anti-migration flared region may be positioned adjacent the first end 12 and / or the second end 14 and may be configured to engage the interior of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the retention feature or flared region may have a larger diameter than the intermediate region 16 of the stent 60 to prevent the stent 60 from migrating after being placed in the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the transition from the cross-sectional region of the intermediate region 16 to the retention feature or flared region may occur in a gradual, sloped, or abrupt step-like manner, as desired.

[0054] In some cases, the first anti-migration flare region may have a first outer diameter and the second anti-migration flare region may have a second outer diameter. In some cases, the first and second outer diameters may be substantially the same, while in other cases, the first and second outer diameters may be different. In some cases, the stent 60 may include only one of the anti-migration flare regions or may not include any anti-migration flare regions. For example, the first end region 20 may include an anti-migration flare and the second end region 22 may have a similar outer diameter as the mid-region 16. It is further contemplated that the second end region 22 may include an anti-migration flare and the first end region 20 may have a similar outer diameter as the mid-region 16. In some embodiments, the stent 60 may have a uniform outer diameter from the first end 12 to the second end 14. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the mid-region 16 may be within a range of 15 to 25 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. The outer diameter of the anti-migration flare may range from 20 to 30 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. It is contemplated that the outer diameter of the stent 60 may be varied to suit a desired application.

[0055] In some cases, the flexibility of the stent 60, or at least a portion thereof, may be increased by cutting or otherwise removing portions of the individual filaments. For example, the stent 60 includes a first void 62 and a second void 64. In some cases, the first void 62 and the second void 64 may be separate voids. In some cases, the first void 62 and the second void 64 may actually be joined to each other on the back side of the stent 60 (not shown). As described below, in some cases, the stent 60 may include multiple voids extending at least partially circumferentially around the stent 60, and the voids may be located at multiple axial positions (multiple spaced rows) spaced apart longitudinally along the stent 60.

[0056] The first voids 62 and the second voids 64 may extend circumferentially around the stent 60 at a first axial location of the stent 60, or each of the first voids 62 and the second voids 64 may extend circumferentially around the stent 60 at first and second axially spaced locations of the stent 60, as desired. The first voids 62 and / or the second voids 64 may extend circumferentially around any desired arc length of the circumference of the stent 60. For example, each of the first voids 62 and / or the second voids 64 may extend circumferentially around the circumference of the stent 60 by 30 degrees or more, 40 degrees or more, 45 degrees or more, 60 degrees or more, 75 degrees or more, 85 degrees or more, 90 degrees or more, 120 degrees or more, 150 degrees or more, or 180 degrees or more.

[0057] 6 provides an enlarged view of a portion of stent 60. As shown, stent 60 includes a total of three filaments 66a, 66b, and 66c that extend in a first helical direction across a circumferential row of cells that includes first voids 52 and second voids 54, and a total of three filaments 68a, 68b, and 68c that extend in a second helical direction across the same circumferential row of cells. Compared to stent 10 or stent 50, stent 60 may exhibit slightly less flexibility, but perhaps additional strength.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a side view of a portion of an exemplary stent 70 including a first or proximal region 72 and a second or distal region 74. The stent 70 may be expandable from a first radially folded configuration (not shown) to a second radially expanded configuration. In some cases, the stent 70 may be deployed to a configuration between the folded configuration and the expanded configuration, i.e., the stent 70 may be deployed with a deployed diameter that is larger than the diameter of the stent 70, or a particular portion thereof, while in the folded configuration, but smaller than the diameter of the stent 70, or a particular portion thereof, while in the fully expanded configuration. In some cases, the anatomy in which the stent 70 is deployed may affect its deployed configuration. For example, if the anatomy in which the stent 70 is deployed has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the stent 70, or a particular portion thereof, when fully expanded, the stent 70 may have a deployed diameter that is intermediate between the diameter of its folded configuration and the diameter of its fully expanded configuration.

[0059] In some cases, in the radially expanded configuration, the stent 70 may include an anti-migration flared region having an enlarged diameter relative to the diameter of the illustrated portion of the stent 70. The anti-migration flared region, if present, may be configured to engage an inner portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. The enlarged diameter anti-migration region may help prevent the stent 70 from migrating after it is placed in the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the transition to the enlarged diameter may occur in a gradual, sloped, or abrupt step-like manner, as desired.

[0060] In some cases, the first anti-migration flare region may have a first outer diameter and the second anti-migration flare region may have a second outer diameter. In some cases, the first and second outer diameters may be substantially the same, while in other cases, the first and second outer diameters may be different. In some cases, stent 70 may include only one of the anti-migration flare regions or may not include an anti-migration flare region. For example, a first end of stent 70 may include an anti-migration flare, but a second end of stent 70 may not include an anti-migration flare. In some cases, the second end of stent 70 may include an anti-migration flare, but the first end of stent 70 does not include an anti-migration flare. Stent 70 may have an outer diameter, outside of the flared regions, in a fully expanded configuration in a range of 15 to 25 millimeters. The outer diameter of any anti-migration flare may be in a range of 20 to 30 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. It is contemplated that the outer diameter of the stent 70 may be varied to suit the desired application.

[0061] To enhance the flexibility of the stent 70, the stent 70 includes a first void 76 disposed within the proximal region 72 and a second void 78 disposed within the proximal region 72. The first void 76 and the second void 78 may each extend a small distance circumferentially around the stent 70. For example, the first void 76 and / or the second void 78 may each extend between 10 degrees and 60 degrees, or between 15 degrees and 50 degrees, around the circumference of the stent 70. However, in other cases, the first void 76 and / or the second void 78 may extend more than 60 degrees around the circumference of the stent 70, or less than 10 degrees around the circumference of the stent 70. In some cases, the first void 76 and the second void 78 extend the entire circumference of the stent 70 and join each other on the back side (not shown) of the stent 70. The stent 70 includes a third void 80 disposed within the distal region 74 and a fourth void 82 disposed within the distal region 74. The third void 80 and the fourth void 82 may each extend a small distance circumferentially around the stent 70. For example, the third void 80 and / or the fourth void 82 may each extend between 10 degrees and 60 degrees, or between 15 degrees and 50 degrees, around the circumference of the stent 70. However, in other cases, the third void 80 and / or the fourth void 82 may extend more than 60 degrees around the circumference of the stent or less than 10 degrees around the circumference of the stent 70. In some cases, the third void 80 and the fourth void 82 extend the entire circumference of the stent 70 and join each other on the back side (not shown) of the stent 70.

[0062] The relative sizes of the first void 76, the second void 78, the third void 80, and the fourth void 82 can be varied depending on the intended use of the stent 70. As shown, there are a total of two filaments 84a and 84b that extend in a first helical direction and traverse the circumferential row of cells that includes the first void 76 and the second void 78, much like that shown in FIG. 4. In some cases, there may be three such filaments that extend in a first helical direction and traverse that circumferential row of cells, much like that shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, in some cases, there may be only a single filament that extends in a first helical direction and traverses that circumferential row of cells. Varying the number of filaments remaining after forming the voids 76 and 78 can affect the performance of the proximal region 72 of the stent 70, for example.

[0063] Similarly, as shown, there are a total of two filaments 88a and 84b that extend in a first helical direction and traverse the circumferential row of cells that includes the third void 80 and the fourth void 82, much like that shown in FIG. 2. In some cases, there may be three such filaments that extend in a first helical direction and traverse that circumferential row of cells, much like that shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, in some cases, there may be only a single filament that extends in a first helical direction and traverses that circumferential row of cells, much like that shown in FIG. 4. Varying the number of filaments remaining after forming the voids 80 and 82 can affect the performance of, for example, the distal region 74 of the stent 70.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a side view of a portion of an exemplary stent 92 including a first or proximal region 94, a second or distal region 96, and an intervening intermediate region 98. The stent 92 may be expandable from a first radially folded configuration (not explicitly shown) to a second radially expanded configuration. In some cases, the stent 92 may be deployed to a configuration between the folded configuration and the expanded configuration, i.e., the stent 92 may be deployed with a deployed diameter that is larger than the diameter of the stent 92, or a particular portion thereof, while in the folded configuration, but smaller than the diameter of the stent 92, or a particular portion thereof, while in the fully expanded configuration. In some cases, the anatomy in which the stent 92 is deployed may affect its deployed configuration. For example, if the anatomy in which the stent 92 is deployed has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the stent 92, or a particular portion thereof, when fully expanded, the stent 92 may have a deployed diameter that is intermediate between the diameter of its folded configuration and the diameter of its fully expanded configuration.

[0065] In some cases, in the radially expanded configuration, the stent 92 may include an anti-migration flared region having an enlarged diameter relative to the diameter of the illustrated portion of the stent 92. The anti-migration flared region, if present, may be configured to engage an inner portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. The enlarged diameter anti-migration region may help prevent the stent 92 from migrating after it is positioned within the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the transition to the enlarged diameter may occur in a gradual, sloped, or abrupt step-like manner, as desired.

[0066] In some cases, the first anti-migration flare region may have a first outer diameter and the second anti-migration flare region may have a second outer diameter. In some cases, the first and second outer diameters may be substantially the same, while in other cases, the first and second outer diameters may be different. In some cases, the stent 92 may include only one of the anti-migration flare regions, or may not include an anti-migration flare region. For example, a first end of the stent 92 may include an anti-migration flare, but a second end of the stent 92 may not include an anti-migration flare. In some cases, the second end of the stent 92 may include an anti-migration flare, but the first end of the stent 92 does not include an anti-migration flare. The stent 92 may have an outer diameter, outside of the flared regions, in a fully expanded configuration in a range of 15 to 25 millimeters. The outer diameter of any anti-migration flare may be in a range of 20 to 30 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. It is contemplated that the outer diameter of the stent 92 may be varied to suit the desired application.

[0067] To enhance the flexibility of the stent 92, the stent 92 includes a first void 100 disposed in the proximal region 94 and a second void 102 disposed in the proximal region 94. The first void 100 and the second void 102 may each extend a small distance circumferentially around the stent 92. For example, the first void 100 and / or the second void 102 may each extend between 10 degrees and 60 degrees, or between 15 degrees and 50 degrees, around the circumference of the stent 92. However, in other cases, the first void 100 and / or the second void 102 may extend more than 60 degrees around the circumference of the stent 92 or less than 10 degrees around the circumference of the stent 92. In some cases, the first voids 100 and the second voids 102 extend around the entire circumference of the stent 92 and join one another on the back side (not shown) of the stent 92. The stent 92 includes a third void 104 disposed within the intermediate region 98 and a fourth void 106 disposed within the intermediate region 98. The third voids 104 and the fourth voids 106 may each extend a small distance circumferentially around the stent 92. For example, the third voids 104 and / or the fourth voids 106 may each extend between 10 degrees and 60 degrees, or between 15 degrees and 50 degrees, around the circumference of the stent 92. However, in other cases, the third voids 104 and / or the fourth voids 106 may extend more than 60 degrees around the circumference of the stent 92 or less than 10 degrees around the circumference of the stent 92. In some cases, the third void 104 and the fourth void 106 extend around the entire circumference of the stent 92 and join one another on the back side (not shown) of the stent 92. The stent 92 includes a fifth void 108 disposed in the distal region 96 and a sixth void 110 disposed in the distal region 96. The fifth void 108 and the sixth void 110 may each extend a small distance circumferentially around the stent 92. For example, the fifth void 108 and / or the sixth void 110 may each extend between 10 degrees and 60 degrees, or between 15 degrees and 50 degrees, around the circumference of the stent 92. However, in other cases, the fifth void 108 and / or the sixth void 110 may extend more than 60 degrees around the circumference of the stent 92 or less than 10 degrees around the circumference of the stent 92.In some cases, the fifth void 108 and the sixth void 110 extend around the entire circumference of the stent 92 and join each other on the back side of the stent 92 (not shown).

[0068] Similar to that shown in FIG. 7, there are a total of two filaments extending in a first helical direction and two filaments extending in a second helical direction across each of the circumferential rows of cells in which the first voids 100 and the second voids 102, the third voids 104 and the fourth voids 106, and the fifth voids 108 and the sixth voids 110 are located, respectively. This is similar to that shown in FIG. 2. In some cases, there may be three such filaments extending in a first helical direction across each circumferential row of cells that contain voids, very similar to that shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, in some cases, there may be only a single filament extending in a first helical direction across that circumferential row of cells, similar to that shown in FIG. 4.

[0069] 9 is a side view of a portion of an exemplary stent 112 including a first or proximal region 114, a second or distal region 116, and an intervening intermediate region 118. The stent 112 may be expandable from a first radially collapsed configuration (not explicitly shown) to a second radially expanded configuration. In some cases, the stent 112 may be deployed to a configuration between the collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration, i.e., the stent 112 may be deployed with a deployed diameter that is larger than the diameter of the stent 112, or a particular portion thereof, while in the collapsed configuration, but smaller than the diameter of the stent 112, or a particular portion thereof, while in the fully expanded configuration. In some cases, the anatomical structure into which the stent 112 is deployed may affect its deployed configuration. For example, if the anatomical structure into which stent 112 is deployed has a diameter smaller than the diameter of stent 112, or a particular portion thereof, when fully expanded, stent 112 may have a deployed diameter that is intermediate between the diameter of its collapsed configuration and the diameter of its fully expanded configuration.

[0070] In some cases, in the radially expanded configuration, the stent 112 may include an anti-migration flared region having an enlarged diameter relative to the diameter of the illustrated portion of the stent 112. The anti-migration flared region, if present, may be configured to engage an inner portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. The enlarged diameter anti-migration region may help prevent the stent 112 from migrating after it is placed in the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the transition to the enlarged diameter may occur in a gradual, sloped, or abrupt step-like manner, as desired.

[0071] In some cases, the first anti-migration flare region may have a first outer diameter and the second anti-migration flare region may have a second outer diameter. In some cases, the first and second outer diameters may be substantially the same, while in other cases, the first and second outer diameters may be different. In some cases, the stent 112 may include only one of the anti-migration flare regions, or may not include an anti-migration flare region. For example, a first end of the stent 112 may include an anti-migration flare, but a second end of the stent 112 may not include an anti-migration flare. In some cases, the second end of the stent 112 may include an anti-migration flare, but the first end of the stent 112 does not include an anti-migration flare. The stent 112 may have an outer diameter, outside of the flared regions, in a fully expanded configuration in a range of 15 to 25 millimeters. The outer diameter of any anti-migration flare may be in a range of 20 to 30 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. It is contemplated that the outer diameter of the stent 112 may be varied to suit a desired application.

[0072] To enhance the flexibility of the stent 112, the stent 112 includes a plurality of flexibility-reinforced rows of cells, with at least some of the cells in each flexibility-reinforced row being disrupted. The stent 112 includes a first flexibility-reinforced row 120 disposed in the proximal region 114 of the stent 112, a second flexibility-reinforced row 122 disposed in the intermediate region 118, a third flexibility-reinforced row 124 disposed in the intermediate region 118, and a fourth flexibility-reinforced row 126 disposed in the distal region 116. Although a total of four flexibility-reinforced rows 120, 122, 124, 126 are shown, it will be understood that this is merely exemplary, as the stent 112 may have any desired number of flexibility-reinforced rows, including five, six, seven, eight, or more flexibility-reinforced rows. In some cases, the stent 112 may have fewer than four flexibility-reinforced rows.

[0073] As can be seen, the first flexible reinforcement row 120 includes voids 120a and voids 120b. The voids 120a and 120b may each extend a small distance circumferentially around the stent 112. In some cases, the voids 120a and 120b may extend the entire circumference of the stent 112 and join each other on the back side (not shown) of the stent 112. The second flexible reinforcement row 122 includes voids 122a and voids 122b. The voids 122a and 122b may each extend a small distance circumferentially around the stent 112. In some cases, the voids 122a and 122b may extend the entire circumference of the stent 112 and join each other on the back side (not shown) of the stent 112. The third flexible reinforcement row 124 includes voids 124a and voids 124b. The voids 124a and 124b may each extend a small circumferential distance around the stent 112. In some cases, the voids 124a and 124b may extend the entire circumference of the stent 112 and join together on the back side (not shown) of the stent 112. The fourth flexible reinforcement row 126 includes voids 126a and voids 126b. The voids 126a and 126b may each extend a small circumferential distance around the stent 112. In some cases, the voids 126a and 126b may extend the entire circumference of the stent 112 and join together on the back side (not shown) of the stent 112.

[0074] Stent 112 includes a total of two filaments extending in a first helical direction and two filaments extending in a second helical direction across each of circumferential rows 120, 122, 124, and 126 that enhance the flexibility of the cells, similar to that shown in FIG. 2. In some cases, there may be three such filaments extending in a first helical direction and across each circumferential row of cells that includes voids, much like that shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, in some cases, there may be only a single filament extending in a first helical direction and across that circumferential row of cells, similar to that shown in FIG. 4.

[0075] 10 is a side view of a portion of an exemplary stent 128 including a first or proximal region 114, a second or distal region 116, and an intervening intermediate region 118. The stent 128 may be expandable from a first radially collapsed configuration (not shown) to a second radially expanded configuration. In some cases, the stent 128 may be deployed to a configuration between the collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration, i.e., the stent 128 may be deployed with a deployed diameter that is larger than the diameter of the stent 128, or a particular portion thereof, while in the collapsed configuration, but smaller than the diameter of the stent 128, or a particular portion thereof, while in the fully expanded configuration. In some cases, the anatomy into which the stent 128 is deployed may affect its deployed configuration. For example, if the anatomical structure into which stent 128 is deployed has a diameter smaller than the diameter of stent 128, or a particular portion thereof, when fully expanded, stent 128 may have a deployed diameter that is intermediate between the diameter of its collapsed configuration and the diameter of its fully expanded configuration.

[0076] In some cases, in the radially expanded configuration, the stent 128 may include an anti-migration flared region having an enlarged diameter relative to the diameter of the illustrated portion of the stent 128. The anti-migration flared region, if present, may be configured to engage an inner portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. The enlarged diameter anti-migration region may help prevent the stent 128 from migrating after it is placed in the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the transition to the enlarged diameter may occur in a gradual, sloped, or abrupt step-like manner, as desired.

[0077] In some cases, the first anti-migration flare region may have a first outer diameter and the second anti-migration flare region may have a second outer diameter. In some cases, the first and second outer diameters may be substantially the same, while in other cases, the first and second outer diameters may be different. In some cases, the stent 128 may include only one of the anti-migration flare regions, or may not include an anti-migration flare region. For example, a first end of the stent 128 may include an anti-migration flare, but a second end of the stent 128 may not include an anti-migration flare. In some cases, the second end of the stent 128 may include an anti-migration flare, but the first end of the stent 128 does not include an anti-migration flare. The stent 128 may have an outer diameter, outside of the flared regions, in a fully expanded configuration in a range of 15 to 25 millimeters. The outer diameter of any anti-migration flare may be in a range of 20 to 30 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. It is contemplated that the outer diameter of the stent 128 may be varied to suit the desired application.

[0078] To enhance the flexibility of the stent 128, the stent 128 includes a plurality of flexible reinforcement rows of cells, with at least some of the cells in each flexible reinforcement row being disrupted. The stent 128 includes a first flexible reinforcement row 130, a second flexible reinforcement row 132, a third flexible reinforcement row 134, a fourth flexible reinforcement row 136, a fifth flexible reinforcement row 138, and a sixth flexible reinforcement row 140. Although a total of six flexible reinforcement rows 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 are shown, it will be understood that this is merely exemplary, as the stent 128 may have any desired number of flexible reinforcement rows, including seven, eight, nine, ten, or more flexible reinforcement rows. In some cases, the stent 128 may have fewer than six flexible reinforcement rows.

[0079] As can be seen, the first flexible reinforcement row 130 includes voids 130a and 130b. The voids 130a and 130b may each extend a small distance circumferentially around the stent 128. In some cases, the voids 130a and 130b may extend the entire circumference of the stent 128 and join each other on the back side (not shown) of the stent 128. The second flexible reinforcement row 132 includes voids 132a and 132b. The voids 132a and 132b may each extend a small distance circumferentially around the stent 128. In some cases, the voids 132a and 132b may extend the entire circumference of the stent 128 and join each other on the back side (not shown) of the stent 112. The third flexible reinforcement row 134 includes voids 134a and 134b. Voids 134a and 134b may each extend a small circumferential distance around stent 128. In some cases, voids 134a and 134b may extend the entire circumference of stent 128 and join one another on the back side of stent 128 (not shown).

[0080] The fourth flexible reinforcement row 136 includes a void 136a and a void 136b. The voids 136a and 136b may each extend a small circumferential distance around the stent 128. In some cases, the voids 136a and 136b may extend the entire circumference of the stent 112 and join each other on the back side (not shown) of the stent 112. The fifth flexible reinforcement row 138 includes a void 138a and a void 138b. The voids 138a and 138b may each extend the small circumferential distance around the stent 128. In some cases, the voids 138a and 138b may extend the entire circumference of the stent 112 and join each other on the back side (not shown) of the stent 112. The sixth flexible reinforcement row 140 includes a void 140a and a void 140b. Voids 140a and 140b may each extend a small circumferential distance around stent 128. In some cases, voids 140a and 140b may extend the entire circumference of stent 112 and join one another on the back side of stent 112 (not shown).

[0081] Stent 128 includes a total of two filaments extending in a first helical direction and two filaments extending in a second helical direction that traverse each of flexible reinforcement rows 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140, similar to that shown in FIG. 2. In some cases, there may be three such filaments extending in a first helical direction and traversing each circumferential row of cells that include voids, much like that shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, in some cases, there may be only a single filament extending in a first helical direction and traversing that circumferential row of cells, similar to that shown in FIG. 4.

[0082] 11 is a side view of an exemplary intraluminal implant 142, such as, but not limited to, a stent. Stent 142 can take the form of an elongated tubular member, although stent 142 can take any cross-sectional shape desired. For example, stent 142 may have a braided structure fabricated from a plurality of filaments including a first plurality of filaments each extending in a first helical direction and a second plurality of filaments each extending in a second helical direction.

[0083] The stent 142 may have a first or proximal end 114, a second or distal end 116, and an intermediate region 118 disposed between the first end 114 and the second end 116. The stent 142 may include a lumen 144 that extends from a first opening adjacent the first end 114 to a second opening adjacent the second end 116 to allow the passage of food, fluids, and the like.

[0084] Stent 142 may be expandable from a first radially collapsed configuration (not explicitly shown) to a second radially expanded configuration. In some cases, stent 142 may be deployed to a configuration between the collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration, i.e., stent 142 may be deployed with a deployed diameter that is larger than the diameter of stent 142, or a particular portion thereof, while in the collapsed configuration, but smaller than the diameter of stent 142, or a particular portion thereof, while in the fully expanded configuration. In some cases, the anatomy in which stent 142 is deployed may affect its deployed configuration. For example, if the anatomy in which stent 142 is deployed has a diameter smaller than the diameter of stent 142, or a particular portion thereof, when fully expanded, stent 142 may have a deployed diameter that is intermediate between the diameter of its collapsed configuration and the diameter of its fully expanded configuration.

[0085] As shown in the radially expanded configuration, the stent 142 may include an anti-migration flared region having an enlarged diameter relative to the diameter of the illustrated portion of the stent 142. The anti-migration flared region, if present, may be configured to engage an inner portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. The enlarged diameter anti-migration region may help prevent the stent 142 from migrating after it is placed in the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the transition to the enlarged diameter may occur in a gradual, sloped, or abrupt step-like manner, as desired.

[0086] In some cases, the first anti-migration flare region may have a first outer diameter and the second anti-migration flare region may have a second outer diameter. In some cases, the first and second outer diameters may be approximately the same, while in other cases, the first and second outer diameters may be different. In some cases, the stent 142 may include only one of the anti-migration flare regions, or may not include an anti-migration flare region. For example, a first end of the stent 142 may include an anti-migration flare, but a second end of the stent 142 may not include an anti-migration flare. In some cases, the second end of the stent 142 may include an anti-migration flare, but the first end of the stent 142 does not include an anti-migration flare. The stent 142 may have an outer diameter, outside of the flared regions, in a fully expanded configuration in a range of 15 to 25 millimeters. The outer diameter of any anti-migration flare may be in a range of 20 to 30 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. It is contemplated that the outer diameter of the stent 142 may be varied to suit a desired application.

[0087] In some cases, as shown, stent 142 can be considered to include an elongated tubular member 146 and a polymeric coating 148 (indicated by a dotted line pattern) covering elongated tubular member 146. Polymeric coating 148 may be applied to elongated tubular member 146 by, for example, dip coating or spray coating. Elongated tubular member 146 includes a constant diameter segment 148, a first flared segment 150, and a second flared segment 152. Constant diameter segment 148 differs from first flared segment 150 and second flared segment 152 in that a void space 154 is disposed between first flared segment 150 and constant diameter segment 148, and a void space 156 is disposed between constant diameter segment 148 and second flared segment 152.

[0088] In some cases, constant diameter segment 148, first flare segment 150, and second flare segment 152 may each be independently braided with a first plurality of filaments extending in a first helical direction and a second plurality of filaments extending in a second helical direction. In some cases, elongated tubular member 146 may be braided as a single member having the same filaments extending through each of first flare segment 150, constant diameter segment 148, and second flare segment 152 prior to cutting elongated tubular member 146 into separate constant diameter segment 148, first flare segment 150, and second flare segment 152. It will be appreciated that first void space 154 and second void space 156 allow constant diameter segment 148, first flare segment 150, and second flare segment 152 to flex independently of one another, providing stent 142 with improved flexibility. The polymer coating 148 extends across each of the first void space 154 and the second void space 156 .

[0089] 12 is a side view of an exemplary intraluminal implant 158, such as, but not limited to, a stent. Stent 158 ​​can take the form of an elongated tubular member, although stent 158 ​​can take any cross-sectional shape desired. For example, stent 158 ​​can have a braided structure fabricated from a plurality of filaments including a first plurality of filaments each extending in a first helical direction and a second plurality of filaments each extending in a second helical direction.

[0090] The stent 158 ​​may have a first or proximal end 114, a second or distal end 116, and an intermediate region 118 disposed between the first end 114 and the second end 116. The stent 158 ​​may include a lumen 144 that extends from a first opening adjacent the first end 114 to a second opening adjacent the second end 116 to allow the passage of food, fluids, and the like.

[0091] Stent 158 ​​may be expandable from a first radially collapsed configuration (not explicitly shown) to a second radially expanded configuration. In some cases, stent 158 ​​may be deployed to a configuration between the collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration, i.e., stent 158 ​​may be deployed with a deployed diameter that is larger than the diameter of stent 158, or a particular portion thereof, while in the collapsed configuration, but smaller than the diameter of stent 158, or a particular portion thereof, while in the fully expanded configuration. In some cases, the anatomy in which stent 158 ​​is deployed may affect its deployed configuration. For example, if the anatomy in which stent 158 ​​is deployed has a diameter smaller than the diameter of stent 158, or a particular portion thereof, when fully expanded, stent 158 ​​may have a deployed diameter that is intermediate between the diameter of its collapsed configuration and the diameter of its fully expanded configuration.

[0092] As shown in the radially expanded configuration, the stent 158 ​​may include an anti-migration flared region having an enlarged diameter relative to the diameter of the illustrated portion of the stent 158. The anti-migration flared region, if present, may be configured to engage an inner portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. The enlarged diameter anti-migration region may help prevent the stent 158 ​​from migrating after it is placed in the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the transition to the enlarged diameter may occur in a gradual, sloped, or abrupt step-like manner, as desired.

[0093] In some cases, the first anti-migration flare region may have a first outer diameter and the second anti-migration flare region may have a second outer diameter. In some cases, the first and second outer diameters may be substantially the same, while in other cases, the first and second outer diameters may be different. In some cases, the stent 158 ​​may include only one of the anti-migration flare regions, or may not include an anti-migration flare region. For example, a first end of the stent 158 ​​may include an anti-migration flare, but a second end of the stent 158 ​​may not include an anti-migration flare. In some cases, the second end of the stent 158 ​​may include an anti-migration flare, but the first end of the stent 158 ​​does not include an anti-migration flare. The stent 158 ​​may have an outer diameter, outside of the flared regions, in a fully expanded configuration in a range of 15 to 25 millimeters. The outer diameter of any anti-migration flare may be in a range of 20 to 30 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. It is contemplated that the outer diameter of the stent 158 ​​may be varied to suit the desired application.

[0094] In some cases, as shown, the stent 158 ​​can be considered to include an elongated tubular member 160 and a polymeric coating 162 (illustrated by a dotted line pattern) covering the elongated tubular member 160. The polymeric coating 162 may be applied to the elongated tubular member 160 by, for example, dip coating or spray coating. The elongated tubular member 160 includes an intermediate segment (e.g., constant diameter segment 164), a first end segment (e.g., first flared segment 166), and a second end segment (e.g., second flared segment 168), where the intermediate segment is positioned between and spaced apart from the first and second end segments. The intermediate segment may not overlap with the first and / or second end segments, and a circumferential gap is provided between the intermediate segment and the first and / or second end segment that extends entirely around the circumference of the stent 158. The constant diameter segment 164 is distinct from the first flared segment 166 and the second flared segment 168.

[0095] In some cases, constant diameter segment 164, first flare segment 166, and second flare segment 168 may each be independently braided with a first plurality of filaments extending in a first helical direction and a second plurality of filaments extending in a second helical direction. In some cases, elongated tubular member 160 may be braided as a single member having the same filaments extending through each of first flare segment 166, constant diameter segment 164, and second flare segment 168 prior to cutting elongated tubular member 160 into separate constant diameter segment 164, first flare segment 166, and second flare segment 168. It will be appreciated that because constant diameter segment 164, first flare segment 166, and second flare segment 168 can move independently of one another, stent 158 ​​is provided with improved flexibility.

[0096] 12A shows an enlarged portion of the intersection between first flare segment 166 and constant diameter segment 164 of FIG. 12. First flare segment 166 includes end row 170 including cell 170a, cell 170b, and cell 170c. Constant diameter segment 164 includes end row 172 including cell 172a and cell 172b. In some cases, as shown, end row 172 is spaced somewhat apart from end row 170 to provide a circumferential gap extending entirely around stent 158 ​​between first flare segment 166 and constant diameter segment 164; similarly, end row 172 of second flare segment 168 is spaced apart from end row 170 of constant diameter segment 164 to provide a circumferential gap extending entirely around stent 158 ​​between second flare segment 168 and constant diameter segment 164. The cells 172a, 172b in end row 172 are circumferentially offset from the cells 170a, 170b, 170c in end row 170, which allows the cells 172a, 172b to nest between the cells 170a, 170b, 170c when end row 170 and end row 172 are closer to one another. For example, the peaks of end row 170 may be longitudinally aligned with the valleys of end row 172, and thus the valleys of end row 170 may be longitudinally aligned with the peaks of end row 172. Thus, each peak of end row 170 may be circumferentially positioned between each peak of end row 172, and each valley of end row 170 may be circumferentially positioned between each valley of end row 172. A similar configuration may exist between second flared segment 168 and constant diameter segment 164.

[0097] In some cases, the stent 158 ​​includes an anchoring element 174 that joins the end rows 170 and 172 to one another. As can be seen, the anchoring element 174 may extend circumferentially around the circumference of the stent 158 ​​while the anchoring element 174 weaves in and out of cells within the end rows 170 and 172 to secure the first flared segment 166 to the constant diameter segment 164. The anchoring element 174 may zigzag back and forth through the circumferential gap as the anchoring element traverses back and forth between the first flared segment 166 and the constant diameter segment 164. Although not shown in an expanded fashion, the constant diameter segment 164 may be secured to the second flared segment 168 in a similar fashion. In some cases, the anchoring element 174 may be a filament (e.g., a wire, thread, or suture) that can be used to essentially sew the stent segments together. It will be appreciated that the polymer coating 162 may also help hold the stent segments together.

[0098] FIG. 13 is a side view of a portion of an exemplary stent 180, and FIG. 13A is a schematic cross-sectional view thereof taken along line 13A-13A of FIG. 13. The stent 180 may be expandable from a first radially folded configuration (not shown) to a second radially expanded configuration. The stent 180 may be considered to include a first region 182 and a second region 184. In some cases, the stent 180 may be deployed to a configuration between the folded configuration and the expanded configuration, i.e., the stent 180 may be deployed with a deployed diameter that is larger than the diameter of the stent 180, or a particular portion thereof, while in the folded configuration, but smaller than the diameter of the stent 180, or a particular portion thereof, while in the fully expanded configuration. In some cases, the anatomical structure into which the stent 180 is deployed may affect its deployed configuration. For example, if the anatomical structure into which stent 180 is deployed has a diameter smaller than the diameter of stent 180, or a particular portion thereof, when fully expanded, stent 180 may have a deployed diameter that is intermediate between the diameter of its collapsed configuration and the diameter of its fully expanded configuration.

[0099] In some cases, in the radially expanded configuration, the stent 180 may include an anti-migration flared region having an enlarged diameter relative to the diameter of the illustrated portion of the stent 180. The anti-migration flared region, if present, may be configured to engage an inner portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. The enlarged diameter anti-migration region may help prevent the stent 180 from migrating after it is placed in the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the transition to the enlarged diameter may occur in a gradual, sloped, or abrupt step-like manner, as desired.

[0100] In some cases, the first anti-migration flare region may have a first outer diameter and the second anti-migration flare region may have a second outer diameter. In some cases, the first and second outer diameters may be approximately the same, while in other cases, the first and second outer diameters may be different. In some cases, the stent 180 may include only one of the anti-migration flare regions, or may not include an anti-migration flare region. For example, a first end of the stent 180 may include an anti-migration flare, but a second end of the stent 180 may not include an anti-migration flare. In some cases, the second end of the stent 180 may include an anti-migration flare, but the first end of the stent 180 does not include an anti-migration flare. The stent 180 may have an outer diameter, outside of the flared regions, in a fully expanded configuration in a range of 15 to 25 millimeters. The outer diameter of any anti-migration flare may be in a range of 20 to 30 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. It is contemplated that the outer diameter of the stent 180 may be varied to suit the desired application.

[0101] To enhance the flexibility of the stent 180, the stent 180 includes a first flexibility-reinforcement row 186 disposed in a first region 182 of the stent 180 and a second flexibility-reinforcement row 188 disposed in a second region 184 of the stent 180. The stent 180 may also include additional flexibility-reinforcement rows. The polymer coating 192 extends circumferentially around the stent 180. As seen in FIG. 13A, the second flexibility-reinforcement row 188 includes a total of three voids, individually labeled 188a, 188b, and 188c, disposed between the stent wall segments 190a, 190b, and 190c. Each of the voids 188a, 188b, and 188c is shown to have approximately the same arc length as each of the stent wall segments 190a, 190b, and 190c, but this is by way of example only. In some cases, the voids 188a, 188b, and 188c may be relatively long, and the stent wall segments 190a, 190b, and 190c may be relatively short. In some cases, the voids 188a, 188b, and 188c may be relatively short, and the stent wall segments 190a, 190b, and 190c may be relatively long. It will be appreciated that the first flexible reinforcement row 186 similarly includes a total of three voids, but only a single void 186a is visible in this orientation. The first flexible reinforcement row 186 includes a total of three stent wall segments, but only two stent wall segments 194a and 194b are visible in this orientation.

[0102] 14 is a side view of an exemplary stent 196, FIG. 14A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stent 196 taken along line 14A-14A of FIG. 14, and FIG. 14B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stent 196 taken along line 14B-14B of FIG. 14. The stent 196 may have a first or proximal end 114, a second or distal end 116, and an intermediate region 118 disposed between the first end 114 and the second end 116. The stent 196 may include a lumen 144 that extends from a first opening adjacent the first end 114 to a second opening adjacent the second end 116 to allow the passage of food, fluids, and the like.

[0103] The stent 196 may be expandable from a first radially collapsed configuration (not explicitly shown) to a second radially expanded configuration. In some cases, the stent 196 may be deployed to a configuration between the collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration, i.e., the stent 196 may be deployed with a deployed diameter that is larger than the diameter of the stent 196, or a particular portion thereof, while in the collapsed configuration, but smaller than the diameter of the stent 196, or a particular portion thereof, while in the fully expanded configuration. In some cases, the anatomy in which the stent 196 is deployed may affect its deployed configuration. For example, if the anatomy in which the stent 196 is deployed has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the stent 196, or a particular portion thereof, when fully expanded, the stent 196 may have a deployed diameter that is intermediate between the diameter of its collapsed configuration and the diameter of its fully expanded configuration.

[0104] As shown in the radially expanded configuration, the stent 196 may include an anti-migration flared region having an enlarged diameter relative to the diameter of the illustrated portion of the stent 196. The anti-migration flared region, if present, may be configured to engage an inner portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. The enlarged diameter anti-migration region may help prevent the stent 196 from migrating after it is placed in the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the transition to the enlarged diameter may occur in a gradual, sloped, or abrupt step-like manner, as desired.

[0105] In some cases, the first anti-migration flare region may have a first outer diameter and the second anti-migration flare region may have a second outer diameter. In some cases, the first and second outer diameters may be approximately the same, while in other cases, the first and second outer diameters may be different. In some cases, the stent 196 may include only one of the anti-migration flare regions, or may not include an anti-migration flare region. For example, a first end of the stent 196 may include an anti-migration flare, but a second end of the stent 196 may not include an anti-migration flare. In some cases, the second end of the stent 196 may include an anti-migration flare, but the first end of the stent 196 does not include an anti-migration flare. The stent 196 may have an outer diameter, outside of the flared regions, in a fully expanded configuration in a range of 15 to 25 millimeters. The outer diameter of any anti-migration flare may be in a range of 20 to 30 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. It is contemplated that the outer diameter of the stent 196 may be varied to suit a desired application.

[0106] To enhance the flexibility of the stent 196, the stent 196 includes a first flexibility-reinforced row 198, a second flexibility-reinforced row 200, a third flexibility-reinforced row 202, a fourth flexibility-reinforced row 204, and a fifth flexibility-reinforced row 206. The stent 196 can include additional flexibility-reinforced rows. In some cases, the stent 196 can include fewer flexibility-reinforced rows. In some cases, as shown, each flexibility-reinforced row 198, 200, 202, 204, 206 is circumferentially rotated relative to the adjacent flexibility-reinforced row 198, 200, 202, 204, 206. FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view through the flexibility-reinforced row 202, and FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view through the flexibility-reinforced row 204, so that the relative rotation between adjacent flexibility-reinforced rows can be easily seen.

[0107] Comparing Figures 14A and 14B, it is easy to see that flexible reinforcement row 204 is rotated clockwise relative to flexible reinforcement row 202. Each of flexible reinforcement rows 198, 200, 202, 204, 206 includes a number of voids and a number of intervening stent wall segments. The voids can be considered to be windows cut into stent 196, such as by laser cutting or sawing. Rather than necessarily cutting individual filaments adjacent to the intersection between a particular filament and another filament, the windows formed in stent 196 may be cut regardless of where the intersection is located and may be linear in shape, for example. Other shapes are also contemplated. The polymer coating 216 encasing stent 196 can be seen to extend through the voids or windows cut into stent 196.

[0108] For purposes of illustration, the first flexible reinforcement row 198 has a pair of visible voids 198b and 198c (the third void 198a is not visible as it is positioned behind the stent 198, and a single stent wall segment 206 is visible between voids 198b and 198c). The second flexible reinforcement row 200 has a single void 200a visible between stent wall segments 208a and 208b.

[0109] The third flexible reinforcement row 202 has a pair of visible voids 202b and 202c (the third void 202a is not visible as it is positioned behind the stent 198, and a single stent wall segment 210 is visible between voids 202b and 202c). The fourth flexible reinforcement row 204 has a single void 240a visible between stent wall segments 212a and 212b. The fifth flexible reinforcement row 206 has a pair of visible voids 206b and 202c (the third void 206a is not visible as it is positioned behind the stent 198, and a single stent wall segment 214 is visible between voids 206b and 206c).

[0110] As shown, each of the stent wall segments, including stent wall segments 212a, 212b, 212c, 206, 210, and 214, has an arc length that is less than the arc length of the voids distributed between each of the stent wall segments 212a, 212b, 212c, 206, 210, and 214. In some cases, each of the stent wall segments, including stent wall segments 212a, 212b, 212c, 206, 210, and 214, may have an arc length that is approximately equal to the arc length of the voids distributed between each of the stent wall segments 212a, 212b, 212c, 206, 210, and 214. In some cases, each of the stent wall segments, including stent wall segments 212a, 212b, 212c, 206, 210, and 214, has an arc length that is greater than the arc length of the voids distributed between each of the stent wall segments 212a, 212b, 212c, 206, 210, and 214.

[0111] 15 is a side view of a portion of an exemplary stent 220. Stent 220 includes a first segment 222, a second segment 224, and a third segment 226. Each of first segment 222, second segment 224, and third segment 226 may be formed by braiding together a first plurality of filaments extending in a first helical direction and a second plurality of filaments extending in a second helical direction prior to separating each of first segment 222, second segment 224, and third segment 226. In some cases, first segment 222, second segment 224, and third segment 226 may each be formed separately by braiding together a first plurality of filaments extending in a first helical direction and a second plurality of filaments extending in a second helical direction to form first segment 222, braiding together the first plurality of filaments extending in the first helical direction and a second plurality of filaments extending in the second helical direction to form second segment 224, and braiding together the first plurality of filaments extending in the first helical direction and a second plurality of filaments extending in the second helical direction to form third segment 226. In any case, a polymeric covering 228 surrounds stent 220.

[0112] 15A is an enlarged view of a portion of stent 220 showing the relationship between first segment 222 and second segment 224. First segment 222 includes end row 230 including cell 230a, cell 230b, and cell 230c (as viewed). Second segment 224 includes end row 232 having cell 232a and cell 232b (as shown). It will be appreciated that end row 230 and end row 232, and the cells forming those end rows, continue circumferentially around stent 220. It will be appreciated that cells 232a, 232b in end row 232 are circumferentially offset from cells 230a, 230b, 230c in end row 230. This allows cells 232a, 232b to nest between cells 230a, 230b, 230c. Thus, the peaks of the end row 230 of the first segment 222 may be disposed closer to the third segment 226 than the peaks of the end row 232 of the second segment 224. For example, the peaks of the end row 230 may be longitudinally aligned with the valleys of the end row 232, and thus the valleys of the end row 230 may be longitudinally aligned with the peaks of the end row 232. Thus, each peak of the end row 230 may be circumferentially positioned between each peak of the end row 232, and each valley of the end row 230 may be circumferentially positioned between each valley of the end row 232. Similar configurations and arrangements may be provided between the second segment 224 and the third segment 226.

[0113] FIG. 16 is a side view of a portion of an exemplary stent 234. Stent 234 includes a first segment 236, a second segment 238, and a third segment 240, which are bonded together by a polymeric covering 242 (indicated by a dotted line pattern). Unlike FIG. 15, in which segments 222, 224, and 226 shared a braid pattern, segments 236, 238, and 240 in FIG. 16 may not share a braid pattern. As shown, first segment 236 and third segment 240 have similar, if not identical, braid patterns, while second segment 238 has a different braid pattern, with fewer filaments braided together to form second segment 238 with larger cells between adjacent filaments. In this particular case, the first segment 236 and the third segment 240 may be formed by braiding together a first plurality of filaments extending in a first helical direction and a second plurality of filaments extending in a second helical direction before separating each of the first segment 236 and the third segment 240. The second segment 238 is braided separately. In some cases, each of the first segment 236, the second segment 238, and the third segment 240 may be braided separately before being assembled together.

[0114] In some cases, the end row of the second segment 238 adjacent to the first segment 236 may include cells nested between cells in the end row of the first segment 236. For example, the peaks of the end row of the second segment 238 adjacent to the first segment 236 may be longitudinally aligned with the valleys of the end row of the first segment 236. As shown, the end row of the second segment 238 may include fewer peaks than the end row of the first segment 236 such that not every valley of the end row of the first segment 236 receives a peak of the end row of the second segment 238. Thus, each peak of the end row of the second segment 238 may be circumferentially positioned between adjacent peaks of the end row of the first segment 236. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0115] In some cases, the end row of the second segment 238 adjacent to the third segment 240 may include cells nested between cells in the end row of the third segment 240. For example, the peaks of the end row of the second segment 238 adjacent to the third segment 240 may be longitudinally aligned with the valleys of the end row of the third segment 240. As shown, the end row of the second segment 238 may include fewer peaks than the end row of the third segment 240 such that not every valley of the end row of the third segment 240 receives a peak of the end row of the second segment 238. Thus, each peak of the end row of the second segment 238 may be circumferentially positioned between adjacent peaks of the end row of the third segment 240. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0116] FIG. 17 is a side view of a portion of an exemplary stent 244. The stent 244 includes a first segment 246, a second segment 248, and a third segment 250, which are bonded together by a polymeric covering 252 (indicated by a dotted line pattern). In this particular example, the first segment 246, the second segment 248, and the third segment 250 each share a similar braid pattern but have different filaments. The filament used to form the first segment 246 is lighter than the filament used to form the second segment 248. Similarly, the filament used to form the second segment 248 is lighter than the filament used to form the third segment 250. As a result, it will be appreciated that each segment has different properties. In some cases, the braid pattern may be varied by changing one or more of the number of wires, wire diameter, braid angle, etc.

[0117] In some cases, the end row of the second segment 248 adjacent to the first segment 246 may include cells nested between cells in the end row of the first segment 246. For example, the peaks of the end row of the second segment 248 adjacent to the first segment 246 may be longitudinally aligned with the valleys of the end row of the first segment 246. Thus, each peak of the end row of the second segment 248 may be circumferentially positioned between adjacent peaks of the end row of the first segment 246. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0118] In some cases, the end row of the second segment 248 adjacent to the third segment 250 may include cells nested between cells in the end row of the third segment 250. For example, the peaks of the end row of the second segment 248 adjacent to the third segment 250 may be longitudinally aligned with the valleys of the end row of the third segment 250. Thus, each peak of the end row of the second segment 248 may be circumferentially positioned between adjacent peaks of the end row of the third segment 250. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0119] 18 is a side view of a portion of an exemplary stent 254. The stent 254 includes a first segment 256, a second segment 258, and a third segment 260, which are bonded together by a polymer coating 262 (indicated by the dotted line pattern). In this particular example, the first segment 256 and the third segment 260 share a similar braid pattern, while the second segment 258 has a different braid pattern in which a greater number of filaments are braided together. It will be appreciated that the second segment 258 has different properties than the properties of the first segment 256 and the third segment 260.

[0120] In some cases, the end row of the second segment 258 adjacent to the first segment 256 may include cells nested between cells in the end row of the first segment 256. For example, the peaks of the end row of the second segment 258 adjacent to the first segment 256 may be longitudinally aligned with the valleys of the end row of the first segment 256. Thus, each peak of the end row of the second segment 258 may be circumferentially positioned between adjacent peaks of the end row of the first segment 256. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0121] In some cases, the end row of the second segment 258 adjacent to the third segment 260 may include cells nested between cells in the end row of the third segment 260. For example, the peaks of the end row of the second segment 258 adjacent to the third segment 260 may be longitudinally aligned with the valleys of the end row of the third segment 260. Thus, each peak of the end row of the second segment 258 may be circumferentially positioned between adjacent peaks of the end row of the third segment 260. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0122] FIG. 19 is a side view of a portion of an exemplary stent 262. The stent 262 includes a first segment 264, a second segment 266, and a third segment 268, which are joined together by a polymeric covering 270 (indicated by the dotted line pattern). In this particular example, the three segments 264, 266, and 268 share a similar braiding pattern, although the relationship between the three segments 264, 266, and 268 is slightly different than that shown in FIGS. 15-18. In FIG. 19, rather than having a fairly abrupt transition between adjacent segments, the braiding pattern has been somewhat modified to provide more atraumatic ends for each of the segments 264, 266, 268.

[0123] 19A is an enlarged view of a portion of stent 262 showing the relationship between first segment 264 and second segment 266. First segment 264 includes end row 272 including cell 272a, cell 272b, and cell 272c (as shown). Second segment 264 includes end row 274 including cell 274a and cell 274b (as shown). It will be appreciated that end row 272 and end row 274, and the cells forming those end rows, continue circumferentially around stent 262. It will be appreciated that cells 274a and 274b in end row 274 are circumferentially offset from cells 272a, 272b, and 272c in end row 272. This allows cells 274a, 274b to nest between cells 272a, 272b, and 272c. For example, the peaks of end row 272 may be longitudinally aligned with the valleys of end row 274, and thus the valleys of end row 272 may be longitudinally aligned with the peaks of end row 274. Thus, the peaks of end row 272 may be circumferentially positioned between the peaks of end row 274, and thus the valleys of end row 272 may be circumferentially positioned between the valleys of end row 274. Additionally, each of cells 272a, 272b, 272c in end row 272, and cells 274a and 274b in end row 272, have been modified to have more gently curved, atraumatic edges.

[0124] FIG. 20 is a side view of a portion of an exemplary stent 276, and FIG. 20A is an enlarged view of the portion. The stent 276 includes a first segment 278, a second segment 280, and a third segment 282, which are at least partially bonded together by a polymeric coating 284 (indicated by a dotted line pattern). In some respects, the stent 276 is similar to the stent 220 shown in FIG. 15. However, the stent 276 includes fixation elements 286 and 288 that extend circumferentially around the circumference of the stent 276 and that thread back and forth with the first segment 278 adjacent to the second segment 280 and the second segment 280 adjacent to the third segment 282, respectively. In some cases, the fixation elements 286 and 288 may be filaments (e.g., wires, threads, or sutures), for example. For example, as seen in FIG. 20A, anchoring element 288 (and anchoring element 286) extends circumferentially around the circumference of stent 276, while anchoring element 288 (and anchoring element 286) threads back and forth through the cells to abut adjacent segments.

[0125] It will be understood that the present disclosure is in many respects merely illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps, without exceeding the scope of the present disclosure. This may include, to the extent appropriate, using any of the features of one exemplary embodiment in other embodiments. The scope of the invention is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

1. 1. A stent comprising: an elongate tubular member expandable from a radially collapsed configuration to a radially expanded configuration, the elongate tubular member comprising a first plurality of filaments extending in a first helical direction and a second plurality of filaments extending in a second helical direction, the first plurality of filaments extending in the first helical direction and the second plurality of filaments extending in the second helical direction overlapping to form a plurality of cells arranged in a row extending circumferentially around the elongate tubular member; A stent, wherein at least some of the cells in one or more rows are adapted to provide the stent with increased flexibility.

2. 10. The stent of claim 1, wherein at least some of the first plurality of filaments and at least some of the second plurality of filaments in one or more of the plurality of rows are trimmed to disrupt at least some of the cells, thereby increasing flexibility of the stent.

3. 3. The stent of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least some of the plurality of cells have a generally diamond shape having four sides formed by a pair of filaments of the first plurality of filaments extending in the first helical direction and a pair of filaments of the second plurality of filaments extending in the second helical direction.

4. The stent of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a polymeric coating extending along the elongated tubular member.

5. The stent of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein one or more rows of cells include only interrupted cells, thereby dividing the elongated tubular member into two or more separate segments.

6. a first segment of the two or more distinct segments having a first end having a plurality of cells in a first end row; a second segment of the two or more distinct segments has a second end having a plurality of cells in a second end row; The stent of claim 5 , wherein the second segment is rotated relative to the first segment such that the plurality of cells in the first end row are nested between the plurality of cells in the second end row.

7. 7. The stent of claim 5 or 6, wherein a first segment of the two or more separate segments has a first braid pattern and a second segment of the two or more separate segments has a second braid pattern that is different from the first braid pattern.

8. The stent of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the two or more separate segments are joined to one another by fixation elements woven between adjacent segments.

9. 1. A braided stent comprising:

1. An elongate tubular member expandable from a radially collapsed configuration to a radially expanded configuration, comprising: a first segment comprising a first plurality of filaments extending in a left-to-right helical direction and a second plurality of filaments extending in a right-to-left helical direction, the first plurality of filaments and the second plurality of filaments together forming a first plurality of cells arranged in a row extending circumferentially around the first segment; a second segment comprising a third plurality of filaments extending in the left-to-right helical direction and a fourth plurality of filaments extending in the right-to-left helical direction, the third plurality of filaments and the fourth plurality of filaments together forming a second plurality of cells arranged in a row extending circumferentially around the second segment; A braided stent, wherein the first segment and the second segment are bonded to one another to provide increased flexibility to the braided stent.

10. 10. The braided stent of claim 9, wherein the first segment and the second segment are coupled to one another by having one or more of the third plurality of filaments that are extensions of one or more of the first plurality of filaments and / or by having one or more of the fourth plurality of filaments that are extensions of one or more of the second plurality of filaments.

11. 11. The braided stent of claim 9 or 10, wherein the first segment and the second segment are bonded to one another by a continuous polymer layer that extends across at least a portion of the first segment and at least a portion of the second segment.

12. the first segment has a first end having a plurality of cells in a first end row; the second segment has a second end having a plurality of cells in a second end row; The braided stent of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the first segment and the second segment are connected to each other by a fixation element woven between the plurality of cells in the first end row and the plurality of cells in the second end row.

13. a third segment comprising a fifth plurality of filaments extending in a left-to-right helical direction and a sixth plurality of filaments extending in a right-to-left helical direction, the first plurality of filaments and the second plurality of filaments together forming a first plurality of cells arranged in a row extending circumferentially around the first segment; The braided stent of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the second segment and the third segment are bonded to one another to provide the braided stent with increased flexibility.

14. 1. A braided stent comprising: an elongated tubular member expandable from a radially collapsed configuration to a radially expanded configuration, the elongated tubular member comprising a plurality of cells arranged in a row extending circumferentially around the elongated tubular member; A braided stent, wherein at least some of the plurality of cells are adapted to increase flexibility of the stent.

15. the elongate tubular member comprises a first plurality of filaments extending in a first helical direction and a second plurality of filaments extending in a second helical direction, the first plurality of filaments extending in the first helical direction overlapping the second plurality of filaments extending in the second helical direction to form a plurality of cells arranged in a row extending circumferentially around the elongate tubular member; 15. The braided stent of claim 14, wherein at least some of the first plurality of filaments and at least some of the second plurality of filaments in one or more of the plurality of rows are trimmed to disrupt at least some of the cells, thereby increasing flexibility of the stent.

Images