Expandable device
By designing an expandable device with an arc-shaped bend in the sidewall, the problem of limited fluid flow during expansion in existing devices was solved, achieving stable expansion and enhanced fluid flow.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FOUNDRY LLC
- Filing Date
- 2021-03-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
Smart Images
Figure CN115666454B_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Cross-references to related applications
[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 993,876, filed March 24, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The expandable device of this technology includes a tubular sidewall having a portion configured to bend in an arcuate shape, not aligned with the rest of the sidewall, when the device expands. The expandable device of this technology can have numerous applications, including construction, piping systems, oil pipelines, etc. As discussed herein, the wavy morphology of the expandable device of this technology can provide many advantages over conventional devices. One of these advantages is the creation of an annular lumen that allows fluid to flow through the expandable device as it expands within a conduit.
[0004] According to the various aspects described below (including references) Figures 1A to 8 This describes the subject matter techniques. For convenience, examples of aspects of the subject matter techniques are described as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.). These clauses are provided as examples and do not limit the subject matter techniques.
[0005] 1. An expandable device, the expandable device comprising:
[0006] The tubular sidewall has a first portion and a second portion, wherein the expandable device has a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, in which the expandable device is configured to be positioned within an opening at a target location.
[0007] The transformation of the expandable device from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration causes the first portion of the sidewall to bend outward from the cylindrical surface defined by the second portion of the sidewall, such that, at least in the expanded configuration, the first portion forms a plurality of buckling regions extending radially away from the second portion of the sidewall.
[0008] 2. The expandable device according to Clause 1, wherein the buckling regions are spaced apart around the circumference of the expandable device.
[0009] 3. The expandable device according to Clause 1 or Clause 2, wherein the buckling regions are spaced apart along the length of the expandable device.
[0010] 4. The expandable device according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the buckling region is provided only at one or both of the first end portion and the second end portion of the expandable device.
[0011] 5. The expandable device according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the buckling region is provided only along the middle portion of the expandable device.
[0012] 6. The expandable device according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein, when the expandable device is in a collapsed configuration, the first portion and the second portion are substantially radially aligned such that the sidewall has a substantially cylindrical surface.
[0013] 7. The expandable device according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein, when the expandable device is in an expanded configuration, the second portion is generally radially aligned along the length of the expandable device, and the first portion is radially offset from the second portion.
[0014] 8. The expandable device according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein, when the expandable device is in an expanded configuration, at least some of the buckling regions extend radially outward from the second portion.
[0015] 9. The expandable device according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein, when the expandable device is in an expanded configuration, at least some of the buckling regions extend radially inward from the second portion.
[0016] 10. The expandable device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, when the expandable device is in an expanded configuration, the buckling region includes arched protrusions, and wherein each of the arched protrusions has (a) a first end portion and a second end portion connected to one of the second portions and (b) a peak region located between the first end portion and the second end portion, the peak region including the portion of the buckling region furthest radially from the first end portion and the second end portion.
[0017] 11. An expandable device, the expandable device comprising:
[0018] Collapsed configuration and expanded configuration, in which the expandable device is configured to be positioned within a conduit.
[0019] A plurality of ridges and a plurality of struts, the ridges extending along the longitudinal axis of the expandable device, and the struts extending between circumferentially adjacent ridges, each of the ridges having a first portion and a second portion along a corresponding length of the ridge, wherein:
[0020] In the collapsed configuration, the struts and the ridge are radially equidistant from the central longitudinal axis of the expandable device and together define a generally cylindrical surface surrounding the lumen.
[0021] In the expanded configuration, (a) the first portion of the ridge and the strut are separated from the central longitudinal axis by a first radial distance, and (b) the second portion of the ridge is separated from the central longitudinal axis by a second radial distance, the second radial distance being different from the first radial distance.
[0022] 12. The expandable device according to Clause 11, wherein, when in the expanded configuration, the expandable device defines an annular lumen between (a) the second portion of the ridge and (b) the first portion of the ridge and the strut.
[0023] 13. The expandable device according to Clause 12, wherein, when the expandable device is in the expanded configuration, the first portion of the ridge and the strut together define an expansion lumen through the expandable device, and wherein the annular lumen surrounds the expansion lumen.
[0024] 14. The expandable device according to Clause 12, wherein, when the expandable device is in the expanded configuration, the second portion of the expandable device together defines an expansion lumen through the expandable device, and wherein the annular lumen surrounds the expansion lumen.
[0025] 15. The expandable device according to any one of clauses 11 to 14, wherein the second radial distance is greater than the first radial distance.
[0026] 16. The expandable device according to any one of clauses 11 to 15, wherein the second radial distance is less than the first radial distance.
[0027] 17. The expandable device according to any one of clauses 11 to 16, wherein, for some of the second portions, the second radial distance is less than the first radial distance, and for the other second portions, the second radial distance is greater than the first radial distance.
[0028] 18. The expandable device according to any one of clauses 11 to 17, wherein the ridge is substantially linear in the collapsed configuration and has a wavy shape in the expanded configuration.
[0029] 19. An expandable device, the expandable device comprising:
[0030] Collapsed configuration and expanded configuration, in which the expandable device is configured to be positioned within a conduit.
[0031] Multiple ridges and multiple struts, the ridges extending along the longitudinal axis of the expandable device and the struts connecting adjacent ridges, wherein:
[0032] The ridge includes a ridge having a first end portion and a second end portion.
[0033] The support includes a first support and a second support:
[0034] The first pillar has a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein,
[0035] The first end portion of the first strut is connected to the first end portion of the ridge.
[0036] The second pillar has a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein,
[0037] The second end portion of the second pillar is connected to the second end portion of the ridge, and
[0038] The radial expansion of the expandable device reduces the longitudinal distance between the first end portion of the first pillar and the second end portion of the second pillar, and also reduces the longitudinal distance between the first end portion and the second end portion of the ridge, thereby causing the ridge to buckle and not be radially aligned with the first and second pillars.
[0039] 20. The expandable device according to Clause 19, wherein the first and second pillars are substantially linear in the collapsed configuration and in the expanded configuration.
[0040] 21. The expandable device according to Clause 20, wherein each of the first and second pillars is connected to the ridge at a flexible joint.
[0041] 22. The expandable device according to any one of clauses 19 to 21, wherein the ridge is longer than the combined length of the first and second pillars.
[0042] 23. The expandable device according to any one of clauses 19 to 22, wherein, when the expandable device is in the collapsed configuration, the first and second pillars are substantially parallel to the ridge.
[0043] 24. The expandable device according to any one of clauses 19 to 23, wherein the second end of the first pillar and the first end of the second pillar are fixed relative to each other at a junction.
[0044] 25. The expandable device according to Clause 24, wherein another ridge of the ridges is connected to the node.
[0045] 26. The expandable device according to Clause 24 or Clause 25, wherein the ridge is a first ridge and the expandable device further comprises a second ridge having a first end portion and a second end portion, a third strut having a first end portion and a second end portion, and a fourth strut having a first end portion and a second end portion, and wherein:
[0046] The first end portion of the third pillar is connected to the first end portion of the second ridge, and the second end portion of the third pillar is connected to the node.
[0047] The first end portion of the fourth pillar is connected to the node, and the second end portion of the fourth pillar is connected to the second end portion of the second ridge.
[0048] The radial expansion of the expandable device reduces the longitudinal distance between the first end portion of the third pillar and the second end portion of the fourth pillar, and also reduces the longitudinal distance between the first end portion and the second end portion of the second ridge, thereby causing the second ridge to buckle and not radially aligned with the third and fourth pillars.
[0049] 27. The expandable device according to Clause 26, wherein, when the expandable device is in the collapsed configuration, the first pillar, the second pillar, the third pillar, and the fourth pillar are substantially parallel to the first ridge and the second ridge.
[0050] 28. The expandable device according to Clause 26 or Clause 27, wherein, when the expandable device is in the expanded configuration, the first pillar, the second pillar, the third pillar, and the fourth pillar are angled away from the first ridge and the second ridge to form an X-shape, and the node is located at the intersection of the X-shape.
[0051] 29. The expandable device according to any one of clauses 26 to 28, wherein, when the expandable device is in an expanded configuration, the node, the first pillar, the second pillar, the third pillar and the fourth pillar are substantially radially aligned at a first radial position, and the first ridge and the second ridge are radially offset from the first radial position and disposed at a second radial position.
[0052] 30. The expandable device according to any one of clauses 26 to 29, wherein the second end of the third pillar and the first end of the fourth pillar are fixed relative to each other at the node.
[0053] 31. The expandable device according to any one of clauses 24 to 30, the expandable device further comprising a third ridge extending longitudinally through and connected to the node.
[0054] 32. The expandable device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the expandable device is configured to expand via the expansion of an actuator positioned within a central cavity of the expandable device.
[0055] 33. The expandable device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the expandable device is configured to expand within another expandable device.
[0056] 34. The expandable device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the expandable device further comprises a valve connected to the expandable device.
[0057] 35. The expandable device according to any of the preceding clauses or clause 36, the expandable device further comprising a tubular membrane incorporated to at least some of the struts and / or ridges defining an inner lumen of the expandable device.
[0058] 36. The expandable device according to any one of the preceding clauses, the expandable device further comprising a tubular membrane incorporated to at least some portions of some of the ridges defining the outer lumen of the expandable device.
[0059] 37. The expandable device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the expandable device comprises a hyperelastic material.
[0060] 38. The expandable device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the connection between at least some of the struts and the ridges is a hinge.
[0061] 39. The expandable device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the expandable device has been heat-set in an intermediate expansion configuration having a diameter between the diameter of the expandable device in the collapsed configuration and the diameter of the expandable device in the fully expanded configuration.
[0062] 40. The expandable device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the expandable device has been thermally set in a fully expanded configuration.
[0063] 41. The expandable device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the expandable device comprises a material that has been heat-set.
[0064] 42. The expandable device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the conduit is a tube.
[0065] 43. The expandable device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the conduit is configured to receive oil passing through it.
[0066] 44. The expandable device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the conduit is a tubular support structure.
[0067] 45. The expandable device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the conduit is an opening in the wall.
[0068] 46. The expandable device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the conduit is an opening in the support structure.
[0069] 47. A method for expanding an expandable device, the expandable device comprising sidewalls formed by a plurality of interconnecting structural members including a first connector and a second connector, the second connector extending between the first connectors, the method comprising:
[0070] Increasing the arc length between circumferentially adjacent first connectors reduces the longitudinal distance between the first ends of longitudinally adjacent second connectors and increases the circumferential distance between the second ends of the longitudinally adjacent second connectors, wherein the first ends of the longitudinally adjacent second connectors are connected to the same first connector in the first connectors, and wherein the same first connector in the first connectors includes a buckling region between the first ends of the longitudinally adjacent second connectors;
[0071] The first connector is longitudinally compressed by reducing the longitudinal distance between the first ends of the longitudinally adjacent second connectors; and
[0072] The buckling region of the first connector is forced to bend into an arc shape, not radially aligned with other regions of the first connector and the second connector, thereby forming an arched protrusion along the sidewall of the expandable device.
[0073] 48. The method according to clause 44, the method further comprising positioning the expandable device in a conduit in a collapsed configuration, wherein:
[0074] When the expandable device is in the collapsed configuration, the first connector and the second connector together define the main lumen of the expandable device, and wherein the method further includes: (a) actuating an actuator within the main lumen to expand the expandable device within the conduit, thereby substantially preventing fluid from flowing through the main lumen of the expandable device; and (b) creating an annular lumen around the main lumen, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the annular lumen while the actuator prevents fluid from flowing through the main lumen.
[0075] 49. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein, when the expandable device is in a collapsed configuration, the first connector and the second connector together define the main cavity of the expandable device, wherein the method further includes expanding an actuator within the main cavity to increase the circumferential arc length between adjacent first connectors.
[0076] 50. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, the method further comprising creating an annular cavity between (a) the portion of the arched protrusion furthest radially from the central longitudinal axis of the expandable device and (b) other regions of the first connector and the second connector.
[0077] 51. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein, when the expandable device is in a collapsed configuration, the first connector and the second connector are radially equidistant from the central longitudinal axis of the expandable device and together define the main cavity of the expandable device.
[0078] 52. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein, when the expandable device is in an expanded configuration, (a) the other regions of the first connector and the second connector are separated from the central longitudinal axis by a first radial distance, and (b) the buckling region of the first connector is separated from the central longitudinal axis by a second radial distance, the second radial distance being different from the first radial distance.
[0079] 53. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the expandable device is configured to expand within another expandable device. Attached Figure Description
[0080] Many aspects of this disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Rather, the focus is on clearly illustrating the principles of this disclosure.
[0081] Figure 1A This is a side view of an expandable device in a tubular configuration constructed according to an embodiment of the present technology.
[0082] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A An isometric view of the expandable device shown.
[0083] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B An enlarged isometric view of a portion of the expandable device shown.
[0084] Figure 1D yes Figures 1A to 1C The image shows a front view of the expandable device in a flat configuration.
[0085] Figure 2A According to embodiments of the present technology Figures 1A to 1C The side view of the expandable device in the intermediate expansion configuration shown.
[0086] Figure 2B According to embodiments of the present technology Figures 1A to 1D The image shows a side view of the expandable device in its fully expanded configuration.
[0087] Figure 2C This is a side view of a portion of a ridge constructed according to the present technology, showing it isolated from an expandable device in an expanded configuration.
[0088] Figure 3A is an enlarged portion of an expandable device in a collapsed configuration constructed according to several embodiments of the present technology.
[0089] Figure 3B is an enlarged portion of an expandable device in an expanded configuration constructed according to several embodiments of the present technology.
[0090] Figure 3C It is taken along line 3C-3C, such as Figure 1A The image shows an axial cross-sectional view of an expandable device in a collapsed configuration.
[0091] Figure 3D It is a 3D-3D cut along the line, such as Figure 2B The image shows an axial cross-sectional view of an expandable device in an expanded configuration.
[0092] Figure 4A This is an enlarged portion of an expandable device in a collapsed configuration, constructed according to several embodiments of the present technology.
[0093] Figure 4B This is an enlarged portion of an expandable device in an expanded configuration, constructed according to several embodiments of the present technology.
[0094] Figure 5A This is an enlarged portion of an expandable device in an expanded configuration, constructed according to several embodiments of the present technology.
[0095] Figure 5B This is a side view of a portion of a ridge constructed according to this technology, showing from... Figure 5A The portion of the expandable device is isolated.
[0096] Figure 6A This is an enlarged portion of an expandable device in an expanded configuration, constructed according to several embodiments of the present technology.
[0097] Figure 6B This is a side view of a portion of a ridge constructed according to this technology, showing from... Figure 6AThe portion of the expandable device is isolated.
[0098] Figure 7 and 8 This is an axial cross-sectional view of an expandable device constructed according to an embodiment of the present technology. Detailed Implementation
[0099] This technology relates to expandable devices configured for placement within a catheter. See below for reference. Figures 1A to 8 Specific details of several embodiments of this technology are described below.
[0100] I. Definition
[0101] As used herein, “collapse configuration” refers to the unexpanded configuration of an expandable device, in which the expandable device is configured to be initially positioned at a target location. As used herein, “expand configuration” refers to the configuration of an expandable device in which the expandable element is partially or fully expanded. An expansion configuration can be achieved solely by actuation (e.g., via an actuating element), solely by self-expansion, or both. In some embodiments, the expandable device may comprise a hyperelastic material and / or may be heat-set to a desired shape, but the hyperelasticity and / or heat-setting properties play a negligible role in expanding the expandable device. Unless otherwise specified herein, “fully expanded” as used to describe the configuration and / or cross-sectional dimensions of an expandable device refers to the configuration of the expandable device at the desired location. As used herein, “intermediate expansion configuration” refers to the configuration of an expandable device between a collapse configuration and a fully expanded configuration.
[0102] As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to the direction along the axis extending through the lumen of the expandable device in a tubular configuration, and the term "circumferential" may refer to a direction in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the expandable device in a tubular configuration and extending about the circumference of the expandable device.
[0103] As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “basically,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to describe the inherent variations in measured or calculated values that will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0104] As used herein, "conduit" and "flow channel" refer to any structure through which fluid can flow or enter. A conduit or flow channel can be described as an open structure (i.e., having openings at both ends) or a closed structure (i.e., having both open and closed ends).
[0105] II. Expandable Devices of This Technology
[0106] According to several aspects of this technology, the expandable device disclosed herein includes a tubular sidewall configured to be positioned within a conduit. Radial expansion of the expandable device causes a portion of the sidewall to buckle from a cylindrical surface defined by a non-buckled portion of the sidewall. The buckled portion thus forms a plurality of ridges or arched protrusions extending radially inward and / or outward from the sidewall, providing the expandable device with several advantages over existing devices. For example, the buckled portion can create an annular flow region around the main lumen of the expandable device, providing an alternative flow path when an obstructing object (e.g., an actuator of the expandable member) is positioned within and obstructs the main lumen. In these and other applications, the buckled portion can serve as a friction element that engages opposing material at the expansion site to hold the expandable device in a desired position and limit migration. These and other applications of this technology, along with their accompanying advantages, will be discussed in more detail herein.
[0107] Figures 1A to 1D An expandable device 101 constructed according to several embodiments of the present technology is shown. Figures 1A to 1C An expandable device 101 in a collapsed (i.e., unexpanded) tubular configuration is shown, while Figure 1D The diagram shows the expandable device 101 being longitudinally cut open and laid flat in a collapsed configuration. When the expandable device 101 is described as being in a “flat” configuration, it should be assumed that the expandable device 101 is not under compressive or tensile forces.
[0108] The expandable device 101 is configured to be delivered to a target site within a conduit in a collapsed tubular configuration and to expand radially at the target site. The expandable device 101 may include a first end portion 101a, a second end portion 101b, and a longitudinal axis L along the expandable device 101 (see...). Figure 1A The length extending between the first end portion 101a and the second end portion 101b. The expandable device 101 may include tubular sidewalls formed by a plurality of longitudinally extending ridges 106 and a plurality of struts 110 extending between circumferentially adjacent ridges 106. As detailed herein, the ridges 106 may include one or more first portions 120 configured to bend outwardly from the sidewalls of the expandable device 101 when the expandable device 101 is in an expanded configuration.
[0109] According to some embodiments, such as Figures 1A to 1DAs shown, each of the ridges 106 can be connected to an adjacent ridge 106 via one or more of the struts 110. For example, each of the struts 110 can have a first end portion connected to a first ridge 106 and a second end portion connected to a second ridge 106. Thus, some or all of the struts 110 can extend between the ridges 106 and may not be directly connected to another strut 110. In some embodiments, some or all of the struts 110 can extend between circumferentially adjacent ridges 106, such that the ridges and struts alternate around the circumference of the expandable device.
[0110] The end portion of the strut 110 may be coupled to the ridge 106 via a connector 132. The connector 132 may correspond to a first end portion and a second end portion of the strut 110, or may extend from the first end portion and the second end portion of the strut 110. The connector 132 may have a width, thickness, and shape designed to allow the strut 110 to swing away from the adjacent ridge 106 when the device 100 expands radially, and to allow the strut 110 to withstand tensions exerted on it by the ridge 106 when the ridges 106 move away from each other during expansion. In some embodiments, the connector may be an actual hinge, rather than depending on the elastic or plastic deformation of the material. In some embodiments, the expandable device 101 may include one or more ridges 106 that are not connected to another ridge 106 via the strut 110 and / or one or more ridges 106 that are not connected to the strut 110.
[0111] According to some embodiments, such as Figures 1A to 1D As shown, some ridges 106 may span only a portion of the length of the expandable device 101, while other ridges 106 may span the entire length of the expandable device 101. Similarly, one, some, or all of the ridges 106 may have the same length, and one, some, or all of the ridges 106 may have different lengths. As shown, the expandable device 101 may include alternating first ridges 106a and second ridges 106b around the circumference of the expandable device 101, wherein the first ridge 106a is shorter than the second ridge 106b. In some embodiments, the first ridge 106a and the second ridge 106b have the same length.
[0112] In some embodiments, the first ends of one, some, or all of the struts 110 are connected to one of the first ridges 106a, and the second ends of one or more struts 110 may be connected to one of the second ridges 106b. As shown, the longer second ridge 106b may extend longitudinally beyond one or both longitudinal ends of the first ridge 106a, or the longitudinal end of the second ridge 106b may be aligned with the longitudinal end of the first ridge 106a. In some embodiments, no first ridge 106a is circumferentially adjacent to another first ridge 106a and no second ridge 106b is circumferentially adjacent to another second ridge 106b. In some embodiments, two or more first ridges 106a may be circumferentially adjacent and / or two or more second ridges 106b may be circumferentially adjacent.
[0113] At least when the expandable device is shown in a flat view, for example, Figure 1D As shown, one, some, or all of the ridges 106 may be generally linear and substantially parallel to: (a) the longitudinal axis L of the expandable device 101, (b) one, some, or all of the struts 110, and / or (c) one, some, or all of the other ridges 106. In these and other embodiments, when the expandable device 101 is in a collapsed configuration, one, some, or all of the ridges 106 may be generally linear and substantially parallel to: (a) the longitudinal axis L, (b) one, some, or all of the struts 110, and / or (c) one, some, or all of the other ridges 106.
[0114] Some or all of the pillars in pillar 110 may be approximately linear, such as Figures 1A to 1D As shown. At least when the expandable device is shown in a flat view, for example, as shown. Figure 1D As shown, the strut 110 may be generally linear and substantially parallel to: (a) the longitudinal axis L, (b) one, some, or all of the ridges 106, and / or (c) other struts 110 within the same strut region 102 and / or other strut regions. In these and other embodiments, when the expandable device 101 is in a collapsed configuration, the strut 110 may be generally linear and substantially parallel to: (a) the longitudinal axis L, (b) one, some, or all of the ridges 106, and / or (c) other struts 110 within the same strut region 102 and / or other strut regions. According to some embodiments, when the expandable device is in an expanded configuration, the strut 110 may be generally linear and angled relative to the longitudinal axis L and / or angled relative to one, some, or all of the ridges 106. In some embodiments, when the expandable device 101 is in a collapsed configuration and / or when the expandable device 101 is in an expanded configuration, all or part of one or more of the struts 110 may be bent.
[0115] like Figure 1D As best shown, the expandable device 101 may include a plurality of support regions 102, each support region including a circumferential band of support 110 within which adjacent support 110s extend apart from the common length of the ridge 106. Each of the support regions 102 may be longitudinally arranged between a first end portion and a second end portion of the support 110 within the region 102 (and similarly between joints 132 at the end portions of the support 110 within the region 102). At least when the expandable device 101 is in a collapsed configuration, the first end portions of the support 110 within a given support region 102 may be longitudinally aligned with each other, and the second end portions of the support 110 within a given support region 102 may be longitudinally aligned with each other.
[0116] According to some embodiments, the first longitudinal side of each of the support regions 102 may be defined by a circumferential band formed by a first connector pair 133a in the connector 132 facing the second end portion 101b of the expandable device 101 (i.e., the support 110 of the connector 132 attached to the first connector pair 133a forms a V-shape that opens along the direction of the second end portion 101b), and the second longitudinal side of each of the support regions 102 may be defined by a circumferential band formed by a second connector pair 133b in the connector 132 facing the first end portion 101a of the expandable device 101 (i.e., the support 110 of the connector 132 attached to the second connector pair 133b forms a V-shape that opens along the direction of the first end portion 101a). The first connector pair 133a in the connector may be arranged along a first ridge 106a, and the second connector pair 133b in the connector may be arranged along a second ridge 106b.
[0117] The support regions 102 may be longitudinally adjacent to each other along the length of the expandable device 101, such that the band of the first connector pair 133a in the connector 132 of the first support region 102 may be longitudinally adjacent to the band of the second connector pair 133b in the connector 132 of the longitudinally adjacent second support region 102. Ridges 106 may extend longitudinally across two or more support regions 102, and thus at least some of the first connector pairs 133a are coupled to the second connector pair 133b via a second portion 122 (described below) of the respective ridge 106, the connector pairs 133a, 133b being arranged along the second portion. The first connector pairs 133a and second connector pairs 133b of the longitudinally adjacent and radially aligned connectors may include nodes 134.
[0118] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 1DAs shown, one, some, or all of the ridges 106 may include alternating first portions 120 and second portions 122 along the length of the respective ridge 106. The first end portion 120a and the second end portion 120b of the first portion 120 (see...) Figure 2B The first portion 120 can be connected to and continuous with one of the second portions 122. The first portion 120 can span one, two, or more pillar regions 102, and the second portion 122 can extend between longitudinally adjacent pillar regions 102 and between longitudinally adjacent first portions 120. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 1D As shown, the first portion 120a of the first ridge 106a is longitudinally staggered relative to the first portion 120b of the second ridge 106b, such that the first portion 120a of the first ridge 106a and the first portion 120b of the second ridge 106b extend together along only a portion of their respective lengths.
[0119] like Figure 1D As best shown, the expandable device 101 may include a plurality of ridge regions 121, each ridge region including circumferentially adjacent first portions 120 and a circumferential band of four struts 110 connected to each of the first portions 120. Each of the ridge regions 121 may be longitudinally disposed between second end portions 122 on both sides of a respective first portion 120. In embodiments where the expandable device 101 includes a first ridge 106a and a second ridge 106b, the expandable device 101 may include a first ridge region 121a along the first ridge 106a and a second ridge region 106b along the second ridge 106b. The first portions 120 within the first ridge region 121a may be generally circumferentially aligned, and the first portions 120 within the second ridge region 121b may be generally circumferentially aligned, while the first portions 120 in the first ridge region 121a and the first portions 120 in the second ridge region 121b may be circumferentially offset.
[0120] The expandable device 101 may include different numbers of first ridge regions 121a and second ridge regions 121b. For example, in a structure composed of... Figure 1D In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable device 101 includes three first ridge regions 121a and two second ridge regions 121b. In other embodiments, the expandable device 101 may include more or fewer first ridge regions 121a and / or more or fewer second ridge regions 121b. Figure 1DIn the illustrated embodiment, each of the ridge regions 121 includes 12 first portions 120 and 48 struts 110, and the expandable device 101 is approximately 25 mm long, with a total of 60 first portions 120 and a total of 144 struts 110. In other embodiments, the expandable device 101 may be longer or shorter and / or include: more or fewer than 12 first portions 120 per ridge region 121 (e.g., each ridge region 121 has 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, etc., first portions 120); one or more buckling portions 110 within a given ridge region 121 and / or first portion 120. 50; each ridge region 121 may have more or fewer than 48 supports 110 (e.g., each ridge region 121 may have 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 36, 40, 44, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, etc., supports 110); more or fewer than a total of 60 first sections 120 and / or more or fewer than a total of 144 supports 110. The first and second ridge regions 121 may have the same or different numbers of first sections 120 and / or supports 110. In one, some, none, or all of the ridge regions 121, the ratio of supports 110 to first sections 120 may be 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, etc.
[0121] The first ridge region 121a and the second ridge region 121b can overlap along the longitudinal axis of the expandable device 101 (e.g., Figure 1D As shown in the diagram, the first ridge region 121a and the second ridge region 121b may be longitudinally adjacent to each other or spaced apart. In some embodiments, the expandable device 101 includes a number of overlapping ridge regions 121 and a number of adjacent or spaced-apart ridge regions 121. The ridge regions 121 may overlap, for example, the length of the support region 102, such that the longitudinally overlapping ridge regions 121 share the support region 102.
[0122] Figure 2A and 2B These are side views of the expandable device 101 in its intermediate expansion configuration and fully expanded configuration, respectively. Figure 2C This is a side view of one of the first portions 120 of the ridge 106 when the expandable device 101 is in a fully expanded configuration. According to some embodiments, such as... Figures 2A to 2CAs depicted, the transition of the expandable device 101 from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration causes the first portion 120 to bend out in an arc from the generally cylindrical surface CS defined by the second portion 122, such that, at least in the expanded configuration, the first portion 120 forms a plurality of buckling portions 150 extending radially away from the rest of the device. For example, the buckling portions 150 may be arranged along one or more of the ridges 106 and may be spaced apart around the length and / or circumference of the expandable device 101.
[0123] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2A to 2C As shown, the buckling portion 150 includes an arched region of a corresponding ridge 106. The buckling portion 150 may have a peak region 124 between the first end portion 120a and the second end portion 120b, wherein the peak region 124 includes the location or region of the buckling portion 150 that is radially furthest from the second portion 122. As discussed herein, the radial distance R measured between (a) the cylindrical surface CS defined by the plurality of second portions 122 and (b) the peak region 124 of the buckling portion 150 defines the thickness of the annular lumen produced by the buckling portion 150.
[0124] As shown in the figure, each of the buckling portions 150 may span two strut regions 102. In some embodiments, one, some, or all of the buckling portions 150 may span more than two strut regions 102 (e.g., three strut regions, four strut regions, etc.). A first ridge 106a may have fewer buckling portions 150 than a second ridge 106b, and vice versa. In some embodiments, the first ridge 106a and the second ridge 106b have the same number of buckling portions 150. One, some, none, or all of the ridges 106 may have a single buckling portion 150. The lengths of the buckling portions 150 along a given ridge 106 may be the same or different, and the lengths of the second portion 122 along a given ridge 106 may be the same or different. Additionally or alternatively, the buckling portions 150 of some or all of the ridges 106 may have different lengths.
[0125] According to some embodiments, during the radial expansion of the expandable device 101, the movement of the strut 110 can axially compress a portion of the ridge 106, causing the first portion 120 to bend arcuately away from the cylindrical surface CS and form a buckled portion 150. For example, Figures 3A and 3C depict a portion of the expandable device 101 in a collapsed configuration, and Figures 3B and 3D show a portion of the expandable device 101 in an expanded configuration. The portion shown in Figures 3A and 3C includes a first portion 120 of one of the ridges 106 and a second portion 122 at the two longitudinal ends of the first portion 120, and first struts 140, second struts 142, third struts 144 and fourth struts 146 connected to the first portion 120 of the ridge 106 via joints 132 at the first joint pair 133a and the second joint pair 133b. At least in the collapsed configuration, the first end portion 120a and the second end portion 120b of the first portion 120 can be separated by a first length LI along the longitudinal axis of the expandable device 101, and the circumferentially adjacent ridges 148 and 149 can be separated from the ridge 106 by an arc length AL. Also in the collapsed configuration, as... Figure 3C As best shown, the struts 110 (including struts 140, 142, 144, 146) and the ridge 106 may be located at substantially the same radial distance R0 from the central longitudinal axis L of the expandable device 101 and together define the main tube cavity 109.
[0126] In the enlarged portion of the expandable device 101 shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the first end portion 140a of the first strut 140 is connected to the first end portion 120a of the first portion 120 of the ridge 106, and the second end portion 140b of the first strut 140 is connected to the second portion 122 of the first circumferential adjacent ridge 148 (only a portion is shown) or other structural members of the sidewall. The first end portion 142a of the second strut 142 is connected to the second portion 122 of the first circumferential adjacent ridge 148 (only a portion is shown) or other structural members of the sidewall, and the second end portion 142b of the second strut 142 is connected to the second end portion 120b of the first portion 120 of the ridge 106. The first end portion 144a of the third strut 144 is connected to the first end portion 120a of the first portion 120 of the ridge 106, and the second end portion 144b of the third strut 144 is connected to the second portion 122 of the second circumferential adjacent ridge 149 (only a portion is shown) or other structural members of the sidewall. The first end portion 146a of the fourth pillar 146 is connected to the second portion 122 of the second circumferential adjacent ridge 149 (only a portion is shown) or other structural members of the sidewall, and the second end portion 146b of the fourth pillar 146 is connected to the second end portion 120b of the first portion 120 of the ridge 106.
[0127] The radial expansion of the expandable device 101 increases the radial distance between (a) ridge 106 and (b) the longitudinal axis L of the expandable device 101, which in turn increases the arc length AL between circumferentially adjacent ridges 106. As the circumferential distance between ridges 106 increases, the struts 110 move away from the ridges 106 to which they are attached at an angle. For example, as shown in FIG3B, as the arc length AL between ridge 106 and circumferentially adjacent ridges 148, 149 increases, (a) the second end portion 140b of the first strut 140 and the first end portion 142a of the second strut 142 move away from the ridge 106 together along a first circumferential direction (e.g., using node 134a), and (b) the second end portion 144b of the third strut 144 and the first end portion 146a of the fourth strut 146 move away from the ridge 106 along a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction (e.g., using node 134b). As a result, the end portions 140a and 142b, and 144a and 146b of the supports 140, 142, 144, and 146 attached to the ridge 106 are pulled longitudinally toward each other, and in doing so, the attached end portions 120a and 120b of the first portion 120 of the ridge 106 are forced to move together with the end portions (indicated by arrow A in FIG. 3B). This movement longitudinally compresses the ridge 106, such that the longitudinal distance between the first end portion 120a and the second end portion 120b of the ridge 106 decreases from a first length L1 in the collapsed configuration to a shorter second length L2. To accommodate this axial compression, the first portion 120 bends outward from the second portion 122 to form a buckled portion 150. Thus, as Figure 3D As shown in the best embodiment, when the expandable device 101 is in the expanded configuration, (a) the second portion 122 of the ridge 106 and the strut 110 are separated from the central longitudinal axis L by a first radial distance R1, and (b) the first portion 120 of the ridge 106 is separated from the central longitudinal axis L by a second greater radial distance R2.
[0128] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 3DAs shown, when the expandable device 101 is in an expanded configuration, it defines two lumens. The expandable device 101 may have a first main lumen 109 defined by a second portion 122 of radially aligned ridges 106 and a strut 110, and a second annular lumen 108 between (a) the peak region 124 of the first portion 120 of ridge 106 and (b) the second portion 122 of ridge 106 and the strut 110. The annular lumen 108 may have a thickness t measured between (a) the peak region 124 of the first portion 120 of ridge 106 and (b) the second portion 122 of ridge 106 and the strut 110. The dual lumen of the expandable device 101 of this technology can be particularly advantageous for reinforcing or creating openings through the conduit while maintaining flow through or into the conduit. When the actuator expands in the main lumen 109, the annular lumen 108 created by the buckling portion 150 provides a flow passage through the conduit. Further details and specific applications of this feature of the technology are discussed elsewhere herein.
[0129] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 3D As shown, the buckling portion 150 may extend radially away from (outward or inward) the generally cylindrical surface CS at an angle α of approximately 90 degrees. In some embodiments, one, some, or all of the buckling portions 150 may extend radially away from the generally cylindrical surface CS (not shown) at an angle other than 90 degrees. However, in some cases, it may be advantageous to ensure that one, some, or all of the buckling portions 150 extend radially away from (outward or inward) the generally cylindrical surface CS at approximately 90 degrees. In such embodiments, it may be advantageous to construct the ridge 106 and / or strut 110 to improve the directional stability and / or angular predictability of the buckling portion 150. For example, as Figure 4A and 4B As shown, in some embodiments, one, some, or all of the first portions 120 of the ridge 106 have end portions that are directly connected to the strut 110 rather than to the second portion 122 or the end pair 133. The first portion 120 may branch into two legs 107 at each of its ends, and each of the legs 107 may be connected to one of the struts 110. As a result, as the strut 110 expands circumferentially and the ridge 106 begins to buckle, the legs 107 provide wider lateral support for the ridge 106 and guide the buckled portion 150 to an orientation of approximately 90 degrees relative to the rest of the expandable device 101. Additionally or alternatively, the first portions 120 of the expandable device 101 may be pre-shaped (e.g., via heat treatment) to facilitate the formation of the buckled portion 150 with the desired orientation.
[0130] In some embodiments, the thickness and / or width of the ridge 106 (along the first portion 120 and / or the second portion 122) can vary to achieve a desired buckling profile, and / or all or part of the ridge 106 can be pre-formed to have bends at specific locations and / or have a specific shape. One, some, or all of the first portions 120 can have a thickness and / or width that is substantially constant along their length (e.g., as shown in Figures 3A and 3B), which produces a single peak 124 and a buckling profile that tends towards a sinusoidal curve. Figure 5A and 5B As shown, in some embodiments, one, some, or all of the first portions 120 may have undulations 125 at desired peak locations and optionally near the first end portions 120a and second end portions 120b. The undulations 125 may be formed by the length of a ridge 106 having a reduced width (as shown) and / or may include the length of a ridge 106 having a reduced thickness. Due to the undulations 125, the resulting buckled portion 150 has a tighter bend and exhibits a more triangular shape, such as... Figure 5B As shown in the diagram. The peak can be relatively centered along the length of the ridge, as... Figure 5B As shown, the peak may be closer to one end of the ridge to provide an asymmetrical buckling profile. Additionally or alternatively, the undulation 125 may be configured such that the buckling portion 150 has a relatively flat peak 124 (with...). Figure 5B Compared to the "sharper" peak 124 shown, this provides more surface area for bonding opposing materials, expandable devices, actuators, or other devices. A flatter peak also provides a smaller damaged surface for bonding different opposing materials.
[0131] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6A and 6BAs shown, one, some, or all of the first portions 120 may have a plurality of undulations 125 such that when the expandable device 101 expands radially, the first portion 120 forms two or more buckling portions 150 (or two or more peaks 124). In such an embodiment, the valleys between the buckling portions 150 may be radially further away from the central longitudinal axis than the second portion 122 and / or the strut 110. Along a particular ridge 106, the first portion 120: (a) may form the same or different number of buckling portions 150 for each first portion 120, (b) may form buckling portions 150 with the same or different shapes or profiles, and / or (c) may have the same or different lengths. Within a particular ridge region 121, the first portion 120: (a) may form the same or different number of buckling portions 150 for each first portion 120, (b) may form buckling portions 150 with the same or different shapes or profiles, and / or (c) may have the same or different lengths.
[0132] In some cases, as the expandable device 101 expands radially, the ridges 106 may tilt to buckle in different directions, some ridges buckling radially outward and others radially inward. In some cases, it may be preferable to cause all buckled portions 150 to extend in the same direction. To facilitate this, the expandable device 101 may be pre-shaped (e.g., via heat treatment) such that all first portions 120 of the ridges 106 buckle in the same desired radial direction (i.e., radially inward or outward). For example, some or all of the expandable device 101 may be pre-shaped to a relaxed, unconstrained diameter approximately the diameter of the entire delivery catheter, such that the relaxed device can be removed through a sheath or guide catheter even after the expandable device has been delivered and the expandable device 101 is at its relaxed size. Additionally or alternatively, such as Figure 7 As shown, in some applications, it may be preferable to buckle all buckled portions 150 radially inward. For example... Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the ridge 106 can bend radially inward and radially outward, thereby producing twice the thickness t compared to an expandable device in which all the bent portions 150 extend in the same radial direction.
[0133] According to some embodiments, the expandable device 101 of this technology is self-expanding. For example, all or part of the expandable device 101 may comprise a material with superelastic properties, such as nitinol. In some or all of such embodiments, the expandable device can form a small-diameter tube in its relaxed state. The expandable device 101 may also be heat-treated and / or pre-shaped such that its diameter is smaller than the fully expanded diameter of the device in its relaxed, unconstrained state. In such embodiments, the expandable device 101 may collapse and shrink to its smaller relaxed diameter. Additionally or alternatively, the expandable device 101 of this technology may include plastically deformable sidewalls, such as sidewalls made of polymer, stainless steel, or cobalt-chromium alloy.
[0134] III. Other design details
[0135] In some embodiments, the expandable device may include at least two nested expandable devices, each having a buckling portion. The expandable devices may be arranged such that their buckling portions face and / or face away from each other. Depending on how the outer expandable device is positioned relative to the inner buckling expandable device, the outer expandable device may further increase the circumferential thickness of the expandable device. However, it may be advantageous to configure the outer expandable device with buckling elements pre-set to buckle radially inward and align these buckling portions such that they follow the buckling elements of the inner expandable device 101. In this way, both the inner and outer surfaces will have a flat diamond pattern, which will press against materials facing the inner and outer surfaces of the expandable device, respectively.
[0136] As the expandable device expands, significant stresses will occur within it. The swing struts are under tension as they expand and experience compressive and longitudinal shortening buckling forces. The strut width and hinge details of the expandable device are constructed to accommodate these stresses.
[0137] Along the middle portion of the expandable device, the expandable device should maintain its cylindrical shape due to the additional struts around each compartment. However, at the ends of the expandable device, as the expandable device expands radially, there may be nothing in the cylindrical surface of the expandable device 101 to hold the free ends of the ridges. These free ends may be inclined to bend radially inward or outward. In some embodiments, these bent free ends may serve as additional fixing members. However, in some embodiments, such radial bending of the ridges (or struts) at the end portions of the expandable device may not be preferred. To control these ends, any expandable device described herein may include one or more extension members (not shown) that extend beyond the end ends of one, some, or all of the ridges 106 to help hold the ridges 106 and other structural members of the expandable device 101 within the cylindrical surface of the non-buckled portion of the expandable device 101. The extension members may be connected at their other ends to solid rings that fit around the delivery conduit. These rings may slide longitudinally as the expandable device expands.
[0138] Alternatively or additionally, the expandable device may include a plurality of eyelets and / or rings (not shown) located at the end of the ridge 106, and connectors passing through the eyelets to control the end of the expandable device. In some embodiments, the eyelets or rings may be additionally or alternatively placed at other longitudinal locations along the expandable device. The connector may be, for example, a fiber or stitch passing through the eyelets in a zigzag pattern. As the expandable device expands, the ridge may compress longitudinally and the zigzag pattern may become circular. When the expandable device is fully expanded, the connector may be tightened to limit the expansion of the end of the expandable device and prevent the end from buckling outward from the cylindrical surface of the expandable device.
[0139] Additionally or alternatively, the expandable device may include a valve attached to it. The valve may be a valve that expands within the central lumen of the expandable device, or a valve that covers at least one end of an annular lumen defined by the expandable device in its expanded shape. The valve may be a duckbill valve, a windward bag valve, a tricuspid valve, or other valve. The valve may be designed to open and close elements placed through the central lumen of the expandable device, or the valve may be designed to open and close even when nothing is placed within the expandable device.
[0140] Alternatively or additionally, the expandable device may include a tubular sleeve disposed within the expandable device. This tubular material may form a lumen separation between a central lumen and an annular lumen formed by the expandable device in its expanded state. The tubular material may be attached to one or more supports and / or ridges of the expandable device.
[0141] Alternatively or additionally, the expandable device may include a tubular sleeve disposed around the outside of the expandable device. The tubular material may be attached to one or more supports and / or ridges of the expandable device.
[0142] IV. Selected Manufacturing Example
[0143] In some embodiments, the expandable device can be formed by laser-cutting a desired pattern into a tubular sheet of material. In some embodiments, the expandable device can initially be formed as a flat sheet of material with strut and ridge patterns. The struts and ridges can be formed by depositing a thin film in the desired pattern onto a flat surface or by laser-cutting the desired pattern into a flat sheet of material. The flat pattern can then be rolled into a generally tubular shape such that the longitudinal edges of the flat pattern are positioned adjacent to or in contact with each other. The longitudinal edges can be joined together, in whole or in part, along their respective lengths (e.g., via laser welding). In some embodiments, the struts and ridges can be formed by depositing a thin film in the desired pattern onto the surface of a tubular frame (e.g., via thin film deposition, vapor deposition, or a combination thereof).
[0144] According to several embodiments, all or part of the expandable device can be heat-treated in its desired fully expanded configuration or in a configuration with a diameter smaller than the expected diameter when the expandable device is implanted. Heat-treating the mesh can facilitate preferred bending at certain locations and can reduce or substantially eliminate any stresses that accompany pushing the mesh from its collapsed or unexpanded configuration into the expanded configuration. To help achieve the desired shape in the expanded configuration, one or more portions of the mesh can be thinned to form preferred bending locations.
[0145] In some embodiments, the expandable device 101 may be formed with an intermediate diameter between its constrained state and fully expanded state to reduce the strain exposed to the hinge connector in a given direction (if the hinge connector opens 60 degrees from its tubular state to its expanded state, thermoforming at a 30-degree opening allows the hinge connector to undergo only a 30-degree deflection from its thermoformed state; this can reduce the likelihood of breakage at the hinge). In some embodiments, the self-expanding expandable device 101 may be heat-treated and / or pre-formed such that it is fully expanded in its relaxed, unconstrained state.
[0146] As described herein, in some cases it may be advantageous to pre-expand the expandable device just enough to ensure that the struts buckle in the desired direction. This pre-expansion process can be as simple as expanding the expandable device on a very gently tapered mandrel, ensuring that all struts buckle in the correct direction (radially inward or outward), followed by annealing the expandable device in this shape. If radially inward buckling of the struts is desired, the tapered forming mandrel can have longitudinal slots into which the struts can buckle. The ends of the expandable device can also be longitudinally folded to form softer, rounded ends, if desired.
[0147] After any pre-forming and annealing, the expandable device may optionally be electropolished to minimize any sharp edges.
[0148] in conclusion
[0149] The above detailed description of embodiments of the present technology is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise forms disclosed above. Singular or plural terms may also include plural or singular terms, respectively, where the context permits. Although specific embodiments and examples of the present technology have been described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications can be made within the scope of the present technology, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. For example, although the steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform the steps in a different order. The various embodiments described herein may also be combined to provide further embodiments.
[0150] Furthermore, unless the word “or” is explicitly limited to meaning only excluding a single item of other items when referring to a list of two or more items, its use in such a list will be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all items in the list, or (c) any combination of items in the list. Additionally, the term “comprising” is used throughout to mean at least one or more of the listed features, such that no further number of the same features and / or other features of additional types are excluded. It should also be understood that specific embodiments have been described herein for illustrative purposes, but various modifications may be made without departing from the art. Furthermore, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of the art have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also present such advantages, and not all embodiments are required to present these advantages to fall within the scope of the art. Therefore, this disclosure and related technologies may cover other embodiments not explicitly shown or described herein.
[0151] In the case of providing a range of values, it should be understood that, unless the context explicitly specifies otherwise, each intermediate value between the lower limit and the upper and lower limits of the range is also specifically disclosed. Every smaller range between any specified value or intermediate value within the specified range and any other specified value or intermediate value within the specified range is included in this disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may be independently included or excluded within the range, and each range in which any one limit is included, no limit is included, or both limits are included in this disclosure, and is affected by any explicitly excluded limit within the specified range. Where a specified range includes one or two limits, ranges excluding one or both of those included limits are also included in this disclosure.
Claims
1. An expandable device, the expandable device comprising: A tubular sidewall having multiple ridges and multiple struts, the ridges extending along the longitudinal axis of the expandable device, and the struts connecting adjacent ridges, wherein: The ridge includes a ridge having a first end portion and a second end portion, each of the first end portion and the second end portion branching into a first leg and a second leg. The support structure includes a first support, a second support, a third support, and a fourth support, wherein the first support, the second support, the third support, and the fourth support are linear, wherein— The first pillar has a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion of the first pillar is connected to the first end portion of the third pillar. The second pillar has a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the second end portion of the second pillar is connected to the second end portion of the fourth pillar. The first leg of the first end portion of the spine is connected to the first pillar between the first end portion and the second end portion of the first pillar. The second leg of the first end portion of the spine connects to the third pillar between the first end portion and the second end portion of the third pillar. The first leg of the second end portion of the spine is connected to the second pillar between the first end portion and the second end portion of the second pillar. The second leg of the second end portion of the ridge connects to the fourth pillar between the first end portion and the second end portion of the fourth pillar. The expandable device has a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, the expandable device is configured to be positioned within an opening at the target location. The transition of the expandable device from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration causes the ridge of the sidewall to bend outward from the cylindrical surface defined by the strut of the sidewall, such that, at least in the expanded configuration, the ridge forms a plurality of buckling regions extending radially away from the strut of the sidewall.
2. The expandable device according to claim 1, wherein, The buckling regions are spaced apart around the circumference of the expandable device.
3. The expandable device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The buckling regions are spaced apart along the length of the expandable device.
4. The expandable device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The buckling region is located only in one or both of the first and second end portions of the expandable device.
5. The expandable device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The buckling region is provided only along the middle portion of the expandable device.
6. The expandable device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, When the expandable device is in a collapsed configuration, the plurality of ridges and the plurality of struts are generally radially aligned, such that the sidewalls have a generally cylindrical surface.
7. The expandable device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, When the expandable device is in the expanded configuration, the plurality of pillars are generally radially aligned along the length of the expandable device, and the plurality of ridges are radially offset from the plurality of pillars.
8. The expandable device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, When the expandable device is in the expanded configuration, at least some of the buckling regions extend radially outward from the plurality of struts.
9. The expandable device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, When the expandable device is in the expanded configuration, at least some of the buckling regions extend radially inward from the plurality of struts.
10. The expandable device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, When the expandable device is in an expanded configuration, the buckling region includes arched protrusions, and each of the arched protrusions has (a) a first end portion and a second end portion connected to one of the plurality of struts and (b) a peak region located between the first end portion and the second end portion, the peak region including the portion of the buckling region that is radially furthest from the first end portion and the second end portion.
11. An expandable device, the expandable device comprising: Collapsed configuration and expanded configuration, in which the expandable device is configured to be positioned within a conduit. The device comprises multiple ridges and multiple struts, the ridges extending along the longitudinal axis of the expandable device, and the struts extending between circumferentially adjacent ridges, wherein: each ridge includes a ridge having a first end portion and a second end portion and a third portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, each of the first end portion and the second end portion branching into a first leg and a second leg. The support structure includes a first support, a second support, a third support, and a fourth support, wherein the first support, the second support, the third support, and the fourth support are linear, wherein— The first pillar has a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion of the first pillar is connected to the first end portion of the third pillar. The second pillar has a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the second end portion of the second pillar is connected to the second end portion of the fourth pillar. The first leg of the first end portion of the spine is connected to the first pillar between the first end portion and the second end portion of the first pillar. The second leg of the first end portion of the spine connects to the third pillar between the first end portion and the second end portion of the third pillar. The first leg of the second end portion of the spine is connected to the second pillar between the first end portion and the second end portion of the second pillar. The second leg of the second end portion of the ridge connects to the fourth pillar between the first end portion and the second end portion of the fourth pillar. In the collapsed configuration, the struts and the ridge are radially equidistant from the central longitudinal axis of the expandable device and together define a generally cylindrical surface surrounding the lumen. In the expanded configuration, (a) the strut is a first radial distance from the central longitudinal axis, and (b) the third portion of the ridge is a second radial distance from the central longitudinal axis, the second radial distance being different from the first radial distance.
12. The expandable device according to claim 11, wherein, When in the expanded configuration, the expandable device defines an annular lumen between (a) the third portion of the ridge and (b) the strut.
13. The expandable device according to claim 12, wherein, When the expandable device is in the expanded configuration, the strut defines an expansion lumen through the expandable device, and wherein the annular lumen surrounds the expansion lumen.
14. The expandable device according to claim 12, wherein, When the expandable device is in the expanded configuration, the third portion of the expandable device together defines an expansion lumen through the expandable device, wherein the annular lumen surrounds the expansion lumen.
15. The expandable device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, The second radial distance is greater than the first radial distance.
16. The expandable device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, The second radial distance is less than the first radial distance.
17. The expandable device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, For some third parts, the second radial distance is less than the first radial distance, and for other third parts, the second radial distance is greater than the first radial distance.
18. The expandable device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, The ridge is substantially linear in the collapsed configuration and has a wavy shape in the expanded configuration.