Braided stent with improved flexibility

Abstract

This relates to stents for implantation in body tubal lumens and related methods. [Solution] The stent is an elongated tubular member expandable from a radially folded configuration to a radially expanded configuration, comprising a first plurality of filaments extending in a first helical direction and a second plurality of filaments extending in a second helical direction, wherein the first plurality of filaments extending in the first helical direction and the second plurality of filaments extending in the second helical direction overlap 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.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to medical devices and methods of manufacturing and using medical devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to stents for implantation into body lumens and related methods.

Background Art

[0002] Implanted medical devices (e.g., expandable stents) can be designed to treat various pathologies within the body. For example, some expandable stents are designed to expand radially to support a body lumen and / or to provide a fluid pathway for digestive substances, blood, or other fluids to flow therethrough after a medical procedure. Some medical devices may include radially expandable or self-expandable stents that can be implanted trans-luminally by various medical device delivery systems. These stents can be implanted into various body lumens such as coronary or peripheral arteries, the esophagus, the gastrointestinal tract (including the intestine, stomach, and colon), the tracheobronchial tree, the urinary tract, the bile duct, the vascular system, and the like. In some cases, it may be desirable to design the stent to include sufficient flexibility while maintaining sufficient radial force to open the body lumen at the treatment site.

[0003] Thus, in some cases, it may be desirable to design a stent having improved flexibility. Examples of medical devices including improved flexibility are disclosed herein.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides alternative designs, materials, manufacturing methods, and uses for medical devices. As an example, a stent is an elongated tubular member expandable from a radially folded configuration to a radially expanded configuration, comprising a first plurality of filaments extending in a first helical direction and a second plurality of filaments extending in a second helical direction, wherein the first plurality of filaments extending in the first helical direction and the second plurality of filaments extending in the second helical direction overlap 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 plurality of rows may be cut in such a way as to divide at least some of the cells, thereby increasing the flexibility of the stent.

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

[0007] Alternatively or additionally, the divided cells may include cells in which at least one of the four sides of a roughly diamond shape has been removed. Alternatively or additionally, the stent may further include a polymer coating extending along an elongated tubular member.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally, one or more columns of cells may contain at least one complete cell and multiple fragmented cells. Alternatively or additionally, one or more columns of cells may contain only divided cells, thereby dividing the elongated tubular member into two or more distinct segments.

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

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, a first segment of two or more distinct segments may have a first braiding pattern, and a second segment of two or more distinct segments may have a second braiding pattern different from the first braiding pattern.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the first braiding pattern may differ from the second braiding pattern in one or more of the following: the number of filaments, the braiding angle, and the filament diameter. Alternatively or additionally, two or more separate segments may be joined to each other by fixed elements woven between adjacent segments.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the fixing elements may include filaments. Alternatively or additionally, two or more distinct segments may be formed by dividing all the cells within a column of cells.

[0013] As another example, a braided stent includes an elongated tubular member that can expand from a radially folded configuration to a radially extended configuration. The elongated tubular member includes a first segment having a plurality of first filaments extending spirally from left to right and a plurality of second filaments extending spirally from right to left, wherein the first and second filaments together form a plurality of first cells arranged in rows circumferentially extending around the first segment. The elongated tubular member includes a second segment having a plurality of third filaments extending spirally from left to right and a plurality of fourth filaments extending spirally from right to left, wherein the third and fourth filaments together form a plurality of second cells arranged in rows circumferentially extending around the second segment. The first and second segments are joined together to provide increased flexibility to the braided stent.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, the first segment and the second segment may be joined to each other by having one or more third filaments which are extensions of one or more of the first plurality of filaments, and / or by having one or more fourth filaments which are extensions 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 each other by a continuous polymer layer extending over 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 column, and the second segment may have a second end having a plurality of cells in a second end column. The first and second segments may be joined to each other by fixed elements woven between the plurality of cells in the first end column and the plurality of cells in the second end column.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, the braided stent may further include a third segment having a fifth plurality of filaments extending in a spiral direction from left to right and a sixth plurality of filaments extending in a spiral direction from right to left, wherein the first plurality of filaments and the second plurality of filaments together form a first plurality of cells arranged in rows circumferentially extending around the first segment, and the second and third segments may be bonded to each other to provide increased flexibility to the braided stent.

[0018] In another example, a braided stent is an elongated tubular member expandable from a radially folded configuration to a radially extended configuration, and includes an elongated tubular member having a plurality of cells arranged in a circumferentially extending row around the elongated tubular member. At least some of the plurality of cells are adapted to increase the flexibility of the stent.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the elongated 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 overlap to form a plurality of cells arranged in rows extending circumferentially around the elongated 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 cut off so as to divide at least some of the cells, thereby increasing the flexibility of the stent.

[0020] The above summary of some embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or all implementations of this disclosure. The following drawings and “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention” illustrate these embodiments more specifically.

[0021] The present invention can be more fully understood by considering the following detailed description of various embodiments of the present invention together with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 1A] It is an enlarged view of a part of the exemplary stent of FIG. 1. [Figure 2] It is an enlarged view of a part of the exemplary stent of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 4] It is an enlarged view of a part of the exemplary stent of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 6] It is an enlarged view of a part of the exemplary stent of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 8] It is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 9] It is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 10] It is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 11] It is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 12] It is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 12A] It is an enlarged view of a part of the exemplary stent of FIG. 12. [Figure 13] It is a side view of a part of an exemplary stent. [Figure 13A] It is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line 13A-13A of FIG. 13. [Figure 14] It is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 14A] It is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line 14A-14A of FIG. 14. [Figure 14B] It is a schematic side cross-sectional view taken along line 14B-14B of FIG. 14. [Figure 15] This is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 15A] This is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 15. [Figure 16] This is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 17] This is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 18] This is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 19] This is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 19A] Figure 19 is a magnified view of a portion of an exemplary stent. [Figure 20] This is a side view of an exemplary stent. [Figure 20A] This is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 20. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] This disclosure is applicable to various modifications and alternative forms, the details of which are illustrated by example in the drawings and described in detail. However, it should be understood that the intent is not to limit this disclosure to the specific embodiments described herein. On the contrary, the intent is to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternative forms that fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0024] The terms defined below shall apply unless otherwise given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification. In this specification, all numerical values ​​are assumed to be qualified by the term “approximately,” whether expressly indicated or not. The term “approximately” generally refers to a range of numerical values ​​that a person skilled in the art would consider equivalent to (i.e., having the same function or result as) the stated value. Often, the term “approximately” can include numbers rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0025] Numerical ranges specified by endpoints include all numbers within that range (for example, 1-5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5). When used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" mean unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. , including multiple referents. When used herein and in the appended claims, the term “or” is used generally to mean “and / or” unless the content clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, where similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and illustrate exemplary embodiments; they are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0027] In some cases, it may be desirable to provide intraluminal implants or stents that can deliver lumen patency to patients with esophageal stricture or other medical conditions. Such stents may sometimes be used in patients experiencing dysphagia due to esophageal cancer. Esophageal stents can enable patients to maintain nutrition through oral intake during cancer treatment or palliative care. Some stents have a woven or braided structure that provides good radial strength with minimal shortening, which may be desired for esophageal and tracheobronchial applications, as well as for some post-bariatric surgery applications. Embodiments disclosed herein are discussed with reference to esophageal stents, but stents described herein are intended to be used in other locations, including but not limited to body tissues, body organs, vascular lumens, non-vascular lumens, and combinations thereof, and may be resized for their use, such as the coronary or peripheral vascular system, trachea, bronchi, colon, small intestine, bile duct, urinary tract, prostate, brain, stomach, etc.

[0028] Figure 1 is a side view of an exemplary intraluminal implant 10, including 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 substantially tubular, it is intended that the stent 10 may take any desired cross-sectional shape. The stent 10 may have a first, i.e., proximal end 12, a second, i.e., distal end 14, and an intermediate region 16 located 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 to the first end 12 to a second opening adjacent to the second opening 14, allowing food, fluids, etc., to pass through.

[0029] Stent 10 may be expandable from a first radially folded configuration (not specified) 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 an deployed diameter that is larger than the diameter of stent 10 or a particular part thereof when in the folded configuration, but smaller than the diameter of stent 10 or a particular part thereof when in the fully expanded configuration. In some cases, the anatomical structure into which stent 10 is deployed may influence its deployed configuration. For example, if the anatomical structure into which stent 10 is deployed has a smaller diameter than the diameter of stent 10 or a particular part thereof when fully expanded, stent 10 may have an 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 made from a plurality of filaments, each comprising a first plurality of filaments 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 several different materials, including but not limited to metals, metal alloys, shape memory alloys and / or polymers, as needed, and are intended to allow the stent 10 to expand and take shape when precisely positioned within an anatomical structure. In some cases, the material may be selected to allow the stent 10 to be removed relatively easily. For example, the stent 10 may be made from Nitinol and Elgiloy®. The stent may be formed from alloys such as, but not limited to, these. Depending on the material selected for the construction of the stent 10, the stent 10 may be self-expanding, i.e., configured to automatically expand radially when not constrained. In some cases, the stent 10 may not be self-expanding and therefore may not regain its fully expanded configuration without the assistance of an expansion device, such as, but not limited to, an inflatable balloon placed in the lumen 18. As used herein, the term “self-expanding” means the tendency of the stent 10 to return to a pre-programmed diameter when not constrained by an external biasing force, such as a delivery catheter or sheath. Although not shown, the stent 10 may include a one-way valve, such as an elastomer slit valve or duckbill valve, positioned in the lumen 18 to prevent reflux of gastrointestinal fluid.

[0031] In some cases, in a radially extended configuration, the stent 10 may include a first end region 20 adjacent to the first end 12 and a second end region 22 adjacent to the second end 14. In some cases, as shown in the figure, the first end region 20 and the second end region 22 may include a retaining mechanism or anti-movement flare region having a diameter enlarged relative to the intermediate region 16. The anti-movement flare region may be positioned adjacent to the first end 12 and / or the second end 14 and may be configured to engage with the inner portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the retaining mechanism or flare region may have a larger diameter than the intermediate region 16 of the stent 10 to prevent it from moving after it has been 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 retaining mechanism or flare region may occur progressively, inclined, or in a steep step-like manner, as necessary.

[0032] In some cases, the first anti-movement flare region may have a first outer diameter, and the second anti-movement flare region may have a second outer diameter. In some cases, the first and second outer diameters may be substantially the same, but 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-movement flare regions, or may not include any anti-movement flare regions at all. For example, the first end region 20 may include an anti-movement flare, and the second end region 22 may have an outer diameter similar to that of the intermediate region 16. It is further intended that the second end region 22 may include an anti-movement flare, and the first end region 20 may have an outer diameter similar to that of the intermediate 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 intermediate region 16 may be in the range of 15 to 25 millimeters in a fully extended configuration. The outer diameter of the anti-movement flare may be in the range of 20 to 30 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. The outer diameter of the stent 10 is intended to be variable to suit the desired application.

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

[0034] Referring to Figure 1A, it can be seen that the individual filaments are braided together, that is, that the individual braids extend above and below each other. For example, each filament 24a extends below each filament 26a, above each filament 26b, and below each filament 26c, and so on. A similar relationship exists for each of the individual filaments that make up the stent 10. It will be understood that cell 28a is formed by the intersections of the individual filaments 24a, 24b, 26a, and 26b. Cell 28b is formed by the intersections of the individual filaments 24b, 24c, 26a, and 26b. Cell 28c is formed by the intersections of the individual filaments 24b, 24c, 26b, and 26c. Each of cells 28a, 28b, and 28c can be thought of as a rhombus with four sides of approximately equal length. In some cases, depending on the relative angles from which the first and second helical directions 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 the stent 10, while cell 28b can be considered to be in an adjacent row extending circumferentially around the stent 10.

[0035] The 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, the stent 10 may have an equal number of filaments extending in the first and second helical directions. In some cases, the 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. For example, the stent 10 may 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. The stent 10 may also include, for example, one or more filaments extending in the longitudinal direction. In some cases, the 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 understood that in many cases, performance requirements for stents, such as stent 10, can be conflicting. For example, strength versus flexibility, including axial strength and radial strength, is a common conflict when designing medical devices such as stents. Constructing a stent that can conform to potentially curved anatomical structures may conflict with the need to provide desired strength. Constructing a stent that stays in place and does not move may conflict with the need for the stent to be movable or even removable. These are just examples. In some cases, stent 10 may include one or more mechanisms that can improve the flexibility of stent 10 while maintaining the desired axial strength and / or radial strength.

[0037] In some cases, the flexibility of the stent 10 or at least a part thereof may be increased by cutting or otherwise removing some 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 located between the first void 30 and the second void 32. A similar intact cell (invisible) may exist on the back side of the stent 10 located 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, and there may be no intervening intact cell. The first void 30 and the second void 32 align with a single circumferential row of the stent 10, but in some cases, the first void 30 and / or the second void 32 may be the width of multiple rows. As will be described later, in some cases, the stent 10 may include a plurality of voids that extend at least partially in the circumferential direction around the stent 10, and the voids may be arranged in a plurality of axial positions (a plurality of spaced-out rows) that are spaced apart longitudinally along the stent 10.

[0038] The first void 30 and the second void 32 may extend circumferentially around the stent 10 at a first axial position of the stent 10, or each of the first void 30 and the second void 32 may extend circumferentially around the stent 10 at positions separated in the first and second axial directions of the stent 10, as necessary. The first void 30 and / or the second void 32 may extend circumferentially around the circumference of the stent 10 for any desired arc length. For example, each of the first void 30 and / or the second void 32 may extend around the circumference of the stent 10 for 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] Figure 2 provides an enlarged view of a portion of the stent 10. It can be seen that a single, complete cell 34 is formed by the intersection of filaments 36a and 36b extending in the first helical direction and filaments 38a and 38b extending in the second helical direction. The first void 30 is formed by cutting or otherwise removing portions of the filaments 40a, 40b, and 40c extending in the first helical direction and portions of the filaments 42a, 42b, and 42c extending in the second helical direction. Depending on the number of filaments contained 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 be partially cut or otherwise removed. The second void 32 is formed by cutting or otherwise removing portions of the first helical filaments 44a, 44b, and 44c and portions of the second helical filaments 46a, 46b, and 46c. Cells that are no longer complete can be considered as fragmented cells, i.e., cells previously defined by the portions of the braided tubular member from which the filaments have been removed, thereby allowing multiple cells to be joined together without filaments interposed between them.

[0040] Divided cells can be formed by cutting off portions of individual filaments, and thus multiple cells can be joined together without any filaments interposed between them. This may involve laser cutting the individual filaments. Although not explicitly shown, in some cases, at least some of the cut filament ends may be welded to each other to secure the remaining cells. In some cases, this may involve sawing or even grinding the individual filaments. In some cases, regardless of the procedure used to remove portions of individual filaments, individual filaments may have cut ends that extend slightly beyond the intersecting filaments. As an example, looking at the missing portion cut off from individual filament 40b, it can be seen that the cut end of individual filament 40b extends slightly beyond individual filaments 42a and 42b.

[0041] Fragmented cells can be formed at any stage in the manufacturing of the stent 10. In some cases, the stent 10 is braided and annealed to set a memory shape of the stent 10 before any fragmented cells are formed. By annealing the stent 10 before cutting off any portion of any individual filaments, the cut ends of any cut filaments tend to "remember" their shape and thus remain in place. In some embodiments, the inner and / or outer surfaces of the stent 10 may be covered entirely, substantially, or partially with a polymer coating or coating 48 (indicated by a dotted line pattern). The coating or coating 48 may extend to both the intact cells and the fragmented cells. The coating or coating 48 may help, for example, reduce phagocytic impingement and / or inward growth of tumors or tissues. In some cases, the coating or coating 48 may be dip-coated onto the stent 10 after the voids 30 and 32 have been formed. The coating or coating 48 may be spray-coated onto the stent 10 after the voids 30 and 32 have been formed. In some cases, the covering or coating 48 may be formed from any desired polymer material. The covering or coating 48 can also help the stent 10 retain its shape even after the filaments have been cut or otherwise removed. The covering or coating 48 can also help prevent inward growth of tissue into the first void 30 and / or the second void 32.

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

[0043] The stent 50 may have a first, i.e., proximal end 12, a second, i.e., distal end 14, and an intermediate region 16 located between the first end 12 and the second end 14. The stent 50 may include a lumen 18, which extends from a first opening adjacent to the first end 12 to a second opening adjacent to the second end 14, allowing food, fluids, etc., to pass through.

[0044] The stent 50 may be expandable from a first radially folded configuration (not specified) 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 an deployed diameter that is larger than the diameter of the stent 50 or a particular part thereof when it is in the folded configuration, but smaller than the diameter of the stent 50 or a particular part thereof when it is in the fully expanded configuration. In some cases, the anatomical structure into which the stent 50 is deployed may affect its deployed configuration. For example, if the anatomical structure into which the stent 50 is deployed has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the stent 50 or a particular part thereof when it is fully expanded, the stent 50 may have an 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 a radially extended configuration, the stent 50 may include a first end region 20 adjacent to the first end 12 and a second end region 22 adjacent to the second end 14. In some cases, as shown in the figure, the first end region 20 and the second end region 22 may include a retaining mechanism or anti-movement flare region having a diameter enlarged relative to the intermediate region 16. The anti-movement flare region may be positioned adjacent to the first end 12 and / or the second end 14 and may be configured to engage with the inner portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the retaining mechanism or flare region may have a larger diameter than the intermediate region 16 of the stent 50 to prevent it from moving after it has been 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 retaining mechanism or flare region may occur progressively, inclined, or in a steep step-like manner, as necessary.

[0046] In some cases, the first anti-movement flare region may have a first outer diameter, and the second anti-movement flare region may have a second outer diameter. In some cases, the first and second outer diameters may be substantially the same, but 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-movement flare regions, or may not include any anti-movement flare regions at all. For example, the first end region 20 may include an anti-movement flare, and the second end region 22 may have an outer diameter similar to that of the intermediate region 16. It is further intended that the second end region 22 may include an anti-movement flare, and the first end region 20 may have an outer diameter similar to that of the intermediate 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 intermediate region 16 may be in the range of 15 to 25 millimeters in a fully extended configuration. The outer diameter of the anti-movement flare may be in the range of 20 to 30 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. The outer diameter of the stent 50 is intended to be variable to suit the desired application.

[0047] In some cases, the flexibility of the stent 50 or at least a part thereof may be increased by cutting or otherwise removing some 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 will be described later, in some cases the stent 50 may include a plurality of voids that extend at least partially circumferentially around the stent 50, and the voids may be arranged in a plurality of axial positions (a plurality of spaced rows) that are spaced longitudinally along the stent 50.

[0048] The first void 52 and the second void 54 may extend circumferentially around the stent 50 at a first axial position of the stent 50, or each of the first void 52 and the second void 54 may extend circumferentially around the stent 50 at positions separated in the first and second axial directions of the stent 50, as necessary. The first void 52 and / or the second void 54 may extend circumferentially around the circumference of the stent 50 for any desired arc length. For example, each of the first void 52 and / or the second void 54 may extend around the circumference of the stent 50 for 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] Figure 4 provides an enlarged view of a portion of the stent 50. In contrast to stent 10 (Figure 2), which includes a single intact cell formed by the intersection of first helical filaments 36a and 36b and second helical filaments 38a and 38b, stent 50 does not include any intact cells within the circumferential rows of cells containing the first void 52 and the second void 54. Rather, only a single filament 56 extending in the first helical direction and a single filament 58 extending in the second helical direction are all that separates the first void 52 from the second void 54, at least in the visible portion of stent 50. It will be understood that stent 50 may have further flexibility in the regions of at least the first void 52 and the second void 54, with respect to voids 30 and 32 shown, for example, in Figures 3 and 4.

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

[0051] The stent 60 may have a first, i.e., proximal end 12, a second, i.e., distal end 14, and an intermediate region 16 located between the first end 12 and the second end 14. The stent 60 may include a lumen 18, which extends from a first opening adjacent to the first end 12 to a second opening adjacent to the second opening 14, allowing food, fluids, etc., to pass through.

[0052] The stent 60 may be expandable from a first radially folded configuration (not specified) to a second radially expanded configuration. In some cases, the stent 60 may be deployed to a configuration between the folded configuration and the expanded configuration, that is, the stent 60 may be deployed with an deployed diameter that is larger than the diameter of the stent 60 or a particular part thereof when it is in the folded configuration, but smaller than the diameter of the stent 60 or a particular part thereof when it is in the fully expanded configuration. In some cases, the anatomical structure into which the stent 60 is deployed may affect its deployed configuration. For example, if the anatomical structure into which the stent 60 is deployed has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the stent 60 or a particular part thereof when it is fully expanded, the stent 60 may have an 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 a radially extended configuration, the stent 60 may include a first end region 20 adjacent to the first end 12 and a second end region 22 adjacent to the second end 14. In some cases, as shown in the figure, the first end region 20 and the second end region 22 may include a retaining mechanism or a movement-preventing flare region having a diameter enlarged relative to the intermediate region 16. The movement-preventing flare region may be positioned adjacent to the first end 12 and / or the second end 14 and may be configured to engage with the interior of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the retaining mechanism or flare region may have a larger diameter than the intermediate region 16 of the stent 60 to prevent it from moving after it has been 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 retaining mechanism or flare region may occur progressively, inclined, or in a steep step-like manner, as necessary.

[0054] In some cases, the first anti-movement flare region may have a first outer diameter, and the second anti-movement flare region may have a second outer diameter. In some cases, the first and second outer diameters may be substantially the same, but 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-movement flare regions, or may not include any anti-movement flare regions at all. For example, the first end region 20 may include an anti-movement flare, and the second end region 22 may have an outer diameter similar to that of the intermediate region 16. It is further intended that the second end region 22 may include an anti-movement flare, and the first end region 20 may have an outer diameter similar to that of the intermediate 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 intermediate region 16 may be in the range of 15 to 25 millimeters in a fully extended configuration. The outer diameter of the anti-movement flare may be in the range of 20 to 30 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. The outer diameter of the stent 60 is intended to be variable to suit the desired application.

[0055] In some cases, the flexibility of the stent 60 or at least a part thereof may be increased by cutting or otherwise removing some 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 will be described later, in some cases the stent 60 may include a plurality of voids that extend at least partially circumferentially around the stent 60, and the voids may be arranged in a plurality of axial positions (a plurality of spaced rows) that are spaced longitudinally along the stent 60.

[0056] The first void 62 and the second void 64 may extend circumferentially around the stent 60 at a first axial position of the stent 60, or each of the first void 62 and the second void 64 may extend circumferentially around the stent 60 at positions separated in the first and second axial directions of the stent 60, as necessary. The first void 62 and / or the second void 64 may extend circumferentially around the circumference of the stent 60 for any desired arc length. For example, each of the first void 62 and / or the second void 64 may extend around the circumference of the stent 60 for 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] Figure 6 provides an enlarged view of a portion of the stent 60. As shown, the stent 60 includes a total of three filaments 66a, 66b, and 66c extending in a first helical direction that crosses a circumferential row of cells containing a first void 52 and a second void 54, and a total of three filaments 68a, 68b, and 68c extending in a second helical direction that crosses the same circumferential row of cells. Compared to stent 10 or stent 50, stent 60 may exhibit slightly lower flexibility but may also exhibit greater strength.

[0058] Figure 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 and expanded configurations, i.e., the stent 70 may be deployed with an deployed diameter that is larger than the diameter of the stent 70 or a particular portion thereof when in the folded configuration, but smaller than the diameter of the stent 70 or a particular portion thereof when in the fully expanded configuration. In some cases, the anatomical structure into which the stent 70 is deployed may influence its deployed configuration. For example, if the anatomical structure into which the stent 70 is deployed has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the stent 70 or a particular portion thereof when fully expanded, the stent 70 may have an 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 a radially expanded configuration, the stent 70 may include a migration-preventing flare region having a diameter enlarged relative to the diameter of the illustrated portion of the stent 70. The migration-preventing flare region, if present, may be configured to engage with the inner portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. The enlarged migration-preventing region may help prevent the stent 70 from moving after it has been placed in the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the transition to the enlarged diameter may occur progressively, inclined, or in a steep, stepped manner, as necessary.

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

[0061] To enhance the flexibility of the stent 70, the stent 70 includes a first void 76 located within the proximal region 72 and a second void 78 located 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, each of the first void 76 and / or the second void 78 may extend between 10 and 60 degrees, or between 15 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 around the entire circumference of the stent 70 and join to each other on the back side (not shown) of the stent 70. The stent 70 includes a third void 80 located within the distal region 74 and a fourth void 82 located within the distal region 74. The third void 80 and the fourth void 82 may each extend a short distance circumferentially around the stent 70. For example, each of the third void 80 and / or the fourth void 82 may extend between 10 and 60 degrees, or between 15 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 around the entire circumference of the stent 70 and join with 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 modified depending on the intended use of the stent 70. As shown, there are a total of two filaments 84a and 84b, extending in the first helical direction and traversing the circumferential rows of the cell containing the first void 76 and the second void 78, very similar to those shown in Figure 4. In some cases, there may be three such filaments, extending in the first helical direction and traversing its circumferential rows of the cell, very similar to those shown in Figure 6. Alternatively, in some cases, there may be only a single filament, extending in the first helical direction and traversing the circumferential rows of its row of the cell. Changing the number of filaments remaining after the voids 76 and 78 are formed may affect, for example, the performance of the proximal region 72 of the stent 70.

[0063] Similarly, as shown, there are a total of two filaments 88a and 84b, extending in the first helical direction and traversing the circumferential rows of the cell containing the third void 80 and the fourth void 82, very similar to those shown in Figure 2. In some cases, there may be three such filaments, extending in the first helical direction and traversing its circumferential rows of the cell, very similar to those shown in Figure 6. Alternatively, in some cases, there may be only a single filament, extending in the first helical direction and traversing its circumferential rows of the cell, very similar to those shown in Figure 4. Varying the number of filaments remaining after the voids 80 and 82 are formed may affect, for example, the performance of the distal region 74 of the stent 70.

[0064] Figure 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 shown) to a second radially expanded configuration. In some cases, the stent 92 may be deployed to a configuration between the folded and expanded configurations, i.e., the stent 92 may be deployed with an deployed diameter that is larger than the diameter of the stent 92 or a particular portion thereof when in the folded configuration, but smaller than the diameter of the stent 92 or a particular portion thereof when in the fully expanded configuration. In some cases, the anatomical structure into which the stent 92 is deployed may influence its deployed configuration. For example, if the anatomical structure into which the stent 92 is deployed has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the stent 92 or a particular portion thereof when fully expanded, the stent 92 may have an 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 a radially expanded configuration, the stent 92 may include a migration-preventing flare region having a diameter enlarged relative to the diameter of the illustrated portion of the stent 92. The migration-preventing flare region, if present, may be configured to engage with the inner portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. The enlarged migration-preventing region may help prevent the stent 92 from moving after it has been placed in the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the transition to the enlarged diameter may occur progressively, inclined, or in a steep, stepped manner, as necessary.

[0066] In some cases, the first anti-movement flare region may have a first outer diameter, and the second anti-movement flare region may have a second outer diameter. In some cases, the first and second outer diameters may be substantially the same, but 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-movement flare regions, or may not include any anti-movement flare regions at all. For example, the first end of the stent 92 may include an anti-movement flare, but the second end of the stent 92 may not include an anti-movement flare. In some cases, the second end of the stent 92 may include an anti-movement flare, but the first end of the stent 92 may not include an anti-movement flare. The stent 92 may have an outer diameter in the range of 15 to 25 millimeters outside the flare region in a fully expanded configuration. The outer diameter of any anti-movement flare may be in the range of 20 to 30 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. The outer diameter of the stent 92 is intended to be variable to suit the desired application.

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

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

[0069] Figure 9 is a partial side view 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 folded configuration (not shown) to a second radially expanded configuration. In some cases, the stent 112 may be deployed to a configuration between the folded and expanded configurations, i.e., the stent 112 may be deployed with an expanded diameter that is larger than the diameter of the stent 112 or a particular portion thereof while in the folded 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 the stent 112 is deployed has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the stent 112 or a particular part thereof when fully expanded, the deployed diameter of the stent 112 may be intermediate between the diameter of its folded configuration and the diameter of its fully expanded configuration.

[0070] In some cases, in a radially expanded configuration, the stent 112 may include a migration-preventing flare region having a diameter enlarged relative to the diameter of the illustrated portion of the stent 112. The migration-preventing flare region, if present, may be configured to engage with the inner portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. The enlarged migration-preventing region may help prevent the stent 112 from moving after it has been placed in the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the transition to the enlarged diameter may occur progressively, inclined, or in a steep, stepped manner, as necessary.

[0071] In some cases, the first anti-movement flare region may have a first outer diameter, and the second anti-movement flare region may have a second outer diameter. In some cases, the first and second outer diameters may be substantially the same, but 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-movement flare regions, or may not include any anti-movement flare regions at all. For example, the first end of the stent 112 may include an anti-movement flare, but the second end of the stent 112 may not include an anti-movement flare. In some cases, the second end of the stent 112 may include an anti-movement flare, but the first end of the stent 112 may not include an anti-movement flare. The stent 112 may have an outer diameter in the range of 15 to 25 millimeters outside the flare region in a fully expanded configuration. The outer diameter of any anti-movement flare may be in the range of 20 to 30 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. The outer diameter of the stent 112 is intended to be variable to suit the desired application.

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

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

[0074] The stent 112 includes a total of two filaments extending in a first helical direction and two filaments extending in a second helical direction, each traversing one of the circumferential rows 120, 122, 124, and 126 that enhance the flexibility of the cell. This is similar to that shown in Figure 2. In some cases, there may be three such filaments extending in a first helical direction and traversing each circumferential row of the cell containing voids, very similar to that shown in Figure 6. Alternatively, in some cases, there may be only a single filament extending in a first helical direction and traversing its circumferential row of the cell, similar to that shown in Figure 4.

[0075] Figure 10 is a partial side view 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 folded configuration (not shown) to a second radially expanded configuration. In some cases, the stent 128 may be deployed to a configuration between the folded and expanded configurations, i.e., the stent 128 may be deployed with an expanded diameter that is larger than the diameter of the stent 128 or a particular part thereof while in the folded configuration, but smaller than the diameter of the stent 128 or a particular part thereof while in the fully expanded configuration. In some cases, the anatomical structure into which the stent 128 is deployed may affect its deployed configuration. For example, if the anatomical structure into which the stent 128 is deployed has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the stent 128 or a particular part thereof when fully expanded, the stent 128 may have an deployed diameter that is intermediate between the diameter of its folded configuration and the diameter of its fully expanded configuration.

[0076] In some cases, in a radially expanded configuration, the stent 128 may include a migration-preventing flare region having a diameter enlarged relative to the diameter of the illustrated portion of the stent 128. The migration-preventing flare region, if present, may be configured to engage with the inner portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. The enlarged migration-preventing region may help prevent the stent 128 from moving after it has been placed in the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the transition to the enlarged diameter may occur progressively, inclined, or in a steep, stepped manner, as necessary.

[0077] In some cases, the first anti-movement flare region may have a first outer diameter, and the second anti-movement flare region may have a second outer diameter. In some cases, the first and second outer diameters may be substantially the same, but 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-movement flare regions, or may not include any anti-movement flare regions at all. For example, the first end of the stent 128 may include an anti-movement flare, but the second end of the stent 128 may not include an anti-movement flare. In some cases, the second end of the stent 128 may include an anti-movement flare, but the first end of the stent 128 may not include an anti-movement flare. The stent 128 may have an outer diameter in the range of 15 to 25 millimeters outside the flare region in a fully expanded configuration. The outer diameter of any anti-movement flare may be in the range of 20 to 30 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. The outer diameter of stent 128 is intended to be variable to suit the desired application.

[0078] To enhance the flexibility of stent 128, stent 128 includes cells in multiple flexibility-reinforcing columns, with at least some of the cells within each flexibility-reinforcing column being fragmented. Stent 128 includes a first flexibility-reinforcing column 130, a second flexibility-reinforcing column 132, a third flexibility-reinforcing column 134, a fourth flexibility-reinforcing column 136, a fifth flexibility-reinforcing column 138, and a sixth flexibility-reinforcing column 140. While a total of six flexibility-reinforcing columns 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 are shown, it will be understood that this is merely illustrative, as stent 128 may have any desired number of flexibility-reinforcing columns, including seven, eight, nine, ten, or more. In some cases, stent 128 may have fewer than six flexibility-reinforcing columns.

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

[0080] The fourth flexible reinforcement row 136 includes voids 136a and 136b. Each of the voids 136a and 136b may extend a short distance circumferentially around the stent 128. In some cases, the voids 136a and 136b may extend around the entire circumference of the stent 112 and join to each other on the back side (not shown) of the stent 112. The fifth flexible reinforcement row 138 includes voids 138a and 138b. Each of the voids 138a and 138b may extend a short distance circumferentially around the stent 128. In some cases, the voids 138a and 138b may extend around the entire circumference of the stent 112 and join to each other on the back side (not shown) of the stent 112. The sixth flexible reinforcement row 140 includes voids 140a and 140b. The gaps 140a and 140b may each extend a short distance circumferentially around the stent 128. In some cases, the gaps 140a and 140b may extend around the entire circumference of the stent 112 and be joined to each other on the back side of the stent 112 (not shown).

[0081] The stent 128 includes a total of two filaments extending in a first helical direction, traversing each of the flexible reinforcement rows 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140, and two filaments extending in a second helical direction. This is similar to that shown in Figure 2. In some cases, there may be three such filaments extending in a first helical direction and traversing each circumferential row of the cell containing the void, very similar to that shown in Figure 6. Alternatively, in some cases, there may be only a single filament extending in a first helical direction and traversing its circumferential row of the cell, similar to that shown in Figure 4.

[0082] Figure 11 is a side view of an exemplary intraluminal implant 142, such as a stent, but not limited to one. The stent 142 can take the form of an elongated tubular member, but it can take any desired cross-sectional shape. For example, the stent 142 may have a braided structure made of a plurality of filaments, each comprising a first plurality of filaments 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, i.e., proximal end 114, a second, i.e., distal end 116, and an intermediate region 118 located between the first end 114 and the second end 116. The stent 142 may include a lumen 144, which extends from a first opening adjacent to the first end 114 to a second opening adjacent to the second end 116, allowing food, fluids, etc., to pass through.

[0084] Stent 142 may be expandable from a first radially folded configuration (not specified) to a second radially expanded configuration. In some cases, stent 142 may be deployed to a configuration between the folded configuration and the expanded configuration, i.e., stent 142 may be deployed with an deployed diameter that is larger than the diameter of stent 142 or a particular part thereof when in the folded configuration, but smaller than the diameter of stent 142 or a particular part thereof when in the fully expanded configuration. In some cases, the anatomical structure into which stent 142 is deployed may influence its deployed configuration. For example, if the anatomical structure into which stent 142 is deployed has a smaller diameter than the diameter of stent 142 or a particular part thereof when fully expanded, stent 142 may have an deployed diameter that is intermediate between the diameter of its folded configuration and the diameter of its fully expanded configuration.

[0085] As shown in the radially expanded configuration, the stent 142 may include a migration-preventing flare region having a diameter enlarged relative to the diameter of the illustrated portion of the stent 142. The migration-preventing flare region, if present, may be configured to engage with the inner portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. The enlarged migration-preventing region may help prevent the stent 142 from moving after it has been placed in the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the transition to the enlarged diameter may occur progressively, inclined, or in a steep, stepped manner, as needed.

[0086] In some cases, the first anti-movement flare region may have a first outer diameter, and the second anti-movement flare region may have a second outer diameter. In some cases, the first and second outer diameters may be substantially the same, but 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-movement flare regions, or may not include any anti-movement flare regions at all. For example, the first end of the stent 142 may include an anti-movement flare, but the second end of the stent 142 may not include an anti-movement flare. In some cases, the second end of the stent 142 may include an anti-movement flare, but the first end of the stent 142 may not include an anti-movement flare. The stent 142 may have an outer diameter in the range of 15 to 25 millimeters outside the flare region in a fully expanded configuration. The outer diameter of any anti-movement flare may be in the range of 20 to 30 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. The outer diameter of stent 142 is intended to be variable to suit the desired application.

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

[0088] In some cases, the constant-diameter segment 148, the first flare segment 150, and the second flare segment 152 may each be braided independently with a first set of filaments extending in a first helical direction and a second set of filaments extending in a second helical direction. In some cases, the elongated tubular member 146 may be braided as a single member having the same filaments extending through each of the first flare segment 150, the constant-diameter segment 148, and the second flare segment 152 before the elongated tubular member 146 is cut into separate constant-diameter segments 148, the first flare segment 150, and the second flare segment 152. It will be understood that the stent 142 has improved flexibility due to the first and second void spaces 154 and 156, which allow the constant-diameter segment 148, the first flare segment 150, and the second flare segment 152 to flex independently of each other. The polymer coating 148 extends across the first void space 154 and the second void space 156, respectively.

[0089] Figure 12 is a side view of an exemplary intraluminal implant 158, such as a stent, but not limited to one. The stent 158 ​​can take the form of an elongated tubular member, but it can take any desired cross-sectional shape. For example, the stent 158 ​​may have a braided structure made of a plurality of filaments, each comprising a first plurality of filaments 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, i.e., proximal end 114, a second, i.e., distal end 116, and an intermediate region 118 located between the first end 114 and the second end 116. The stent 158 ​​may include a lumen 144, which extends from a first opening adjacent to the first end 114 to a second opening adjacent to the second end 116, allowing food, fluids, etc., to pass through.

[0091] Stent 158 ​​may be expandable from a first radially folded configuration (not specified) to a second radially expanded configuration. In some cases, stent 158 ​​may be deployed to a configuration between the folded configuration and the expanded configuration, i.e., stent 158 ​​may be deployed with an deployed diameter that is larger than the diameter of stent 158 ​​or a particular part thereof when in the folded configuration, but smaller than the diameter of stent 158 ​​or a particular part thereof when in the fully expanded configuration. In some cases, the anatomical structure into which stent 158 ​​is deployed may influence its deployed configuration. For example, if the anatomical structure into which stent 158 ​​is deployed has a smaller diameter than the diameter of stent 158 ​​or a particular part thereof when fully expanded, stent 158 ​​may have an deployed diameter that is intermediate between the diameter of its folded configuration and the diameter of its fully expanded configuration.

[0092] As shown in the radially expanded configuration, the stent 158 ​​may include a migration-preventing flare region having a diameter enlarged relative to the diameter of the illustrated portion of the stent 158. The migration-preventing flare region, if present, may be configured to engage with the inner portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. The enlarged migration-preventing region may help prevent the stent 158 ​​from moving after it has been placed in the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the transition to the enlarged diameter may occur progressively, inclined, or in a steep, stepped manner, as necessary.

[0093] In some cases, the first anti-movement flare region may have a first outer diameter, and the second anti-movement flare region may have a second outer diameter. In some cases, the first and second outer diameters may be substantially the same, but 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-movement flare regions, or may not include any anti-movement flare regions at all. For example, the first end of the stent 158 ​​may include an anti-movement flare, but the second end of the stent 158 ​​may not include an anti-movement flare. In some cases, the second end of the stent 158 ​​may include an anti-movement flare, but the first end of the stent 158 ​​may not include an anti-movement flare. The stent 158 ​​may have an outer diameter in the range of 15 to 25 millimeters outside the flare region in a fully expanded configuration. The outer diameter of any anti-movement flare may be in the range of 20 to 30 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. The outer diameter of stent 158 ​​is intended to be variable to suit the desired application.

[0094] In some cases, as illustrated, the stent 158 ​​can be considered to include an elongated tubular member 160 and a polymer coating 162 (illustrated by a dotted line pattern) covering the elongated tubular member 160. The polymer 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., a constant diameter segment 164), a first end segment (e.g., a first flared segment 166), and a second end segment (e.g., a second flared segment 168), wherein the intermediate segment is positioned between the first and second end segments and spaced apart from the first and second end segments. The intermediate segment may not overlap with the first end segment and / or the second end segment, and a circumferential gap extending around the circumference of the stent 158 ​​is provided between the intermediate segment and the first end segment and / or the second end segment. The constant diameter segment 164 is different from the first flare segment 166 and the second flare segment 168.

[0095] In some cases, the constant-diameter segment 164, the first flare segment 166, and the second flare segment 168 may each be braided independently with a first set of filaments extending in a first helical direction and a second set of filaments extending in a second helical direction. In some cases, the elongated tubular member 160 may be braided as a single member having the same filaments extending through each of the first flare segment 166, the constant-diameter segment 164, and the second flare segment 168 before the elongated tubular member 160 is cut into separate constant-diameter segments 164, the first flare segment 166, and the second flare segment 168. It will be understood that the stent 158 ​​has improved flexibility because the constant-diameter segment 164, the first flare segment 166, and the second flare segment 168 can move independently of each other.

[0096] Figure 12A shows a magnified portion of the intersection between the first flared segment 166 and the constant diameter segment 164 in Figure 12. The first flared segment 166 includes an end row 170 containing cells 170a, 170b, and 170c. The constant diameter segment 164 includes an end row 172 containing cells 172a and 172b. In some cases, as shown, the end row 172 is positioned somewhat apart from the end row 170, providing a circumferential gap extending throughout the stent 158 ​​between the first flared segment 166 and the constant diameter segment 164, and similarly, the end row of the second flared segment 168 is positioned apart from the end row of the constant diameter segment 164, providing a circumferential gap extending throughout the stent 158 ​​between the second flared segment 168 and the constant diameter segment 164. Cells 172a and 172b in end row 172 are offset circumferentially from cells 170a, 170b, and 170c in end row 170, so that when end row 170 and end row 172 are closer to each other, cells 172a and 172b can be nested between cells 170a, 170b, and 170c. 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 the second flare segment 168 and the constant diameter segment 164.

[0097] In some cases, the stent 158 ​​includes a fixation element 174 that joins end rows 170 and 172 together. As can be seen, the fixation element 174 may extend circumferentially around the circumference of the stent 158, or it may move in and out in a sewing-like manner through the cells in end rows 170 and 172 to fix the first flared segment 166 to the constant-diameter segment 164. The fixation element 174 can reciprocate in a zigzag manner across the circumferential gap as it reciprocates and traverses between the first flared segment 166 and the constant-diameter segment 164. Although not shown in an enlarged form, the constant-diameter segment 164 may be fixed to the second flared segment 168 in a similar manner. In some cases, the fixation element 174 may be a filament (e.g., wire, thread, or suture) that can be used to join the stent segments together and essentially suture them together. It will also be understood that the polymer coating 162 may help to hold the stent segments together.

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

[0099] In some cases, in a radially expanded configuration, the stent 180 may include a migration-preventing flare region having a diameter enlarged relative to the diameter of the illustrated portion of the stent 180. The migration-preventing flare region, if present, may be configured to engage with the inner portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. The enlarged migration-preventing region may help prevent the stent 180 from moving after it has been placed in the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the transition to the enlarged diameter may occur progressively, inclined, or in a steep, stepped manner, as necessary.

[0100] In some cases, the first anti-movement flare region may have a first outer diameter, and the second anti-movement flare region may have a second outer diameter. In some cases, the first and second outer diameters may be substantially the same, but 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-movement flare regions, or may not include any anti-movement flare regions at all. For example, the first end of the stent 180 may include an anti-movement flare, but the second end of the stent 180 may not include an anti-movement flare. In some cases, the second end of the stent 180 may include an anti-movement flare, but the first end of the stent 180 may not include an anti-movement flare. The stent 180 may have an outer diameter in the range of 15 to 25 millimeters outside the flare region in a fully expanded configuration. The outer diameter of any anti-movement flare may be in the range of 20 to 30 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. The outer diameter of stent 180 is intended to be variable to suit the desired application.

[0101] To enhance the flexibility of the stent 180, the stent 180 includes a first flexible reinforcement row 186 located within a first region 182 of the stent 180 and a second flexible reinforcement row 188 located within a second region 184 of the stent 180. The stent 180 may also include additional flexible reinforcement rows. A polymer coating 192 extends circumferentially around the stent 180. As seen in Figure 13A, the second flexible reinforcement row 188 includes a total of three voids, individually labeled 188a, 188b, and 188c, located between the stent wall segments 190a, 190b, and 190c. Each of the voids 188a, 188b, and 188c is shown to have an arc length approximately equal to the arc length of each of the stent wall segments 190a, 190b, and 190c, but this is only an example. 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. The first flexible reinforcement row 186 also contains a total of three voids, but in this orientation only a single void 186a is visible. The first flexible reinforcement row 186 contains a total of three stent wall segments, but in this orientation only two stent wall segments 194a and 194b are visible.

[0102] Figure 14 is a side view of an exemplary stent 196, Figure 14A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stent 196 taken along line 14A-14A in Figure 14, and Figure 14B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stent 196 taken along line 14B-14B in Figure 14. The stent 196 may have a first, i.e., proximal end 114, a second, i.e., distal end 116, and an intermediate region 118 located between the first end 114 and the second end 116. The stent 196 may include a lumen 144, which extends from a first opening adjacent to the first end 114 to a second opening adjacent to the second end 116, allowing food, fluids, etc., to pass through.

[0103] Stent 196 may be expandable from a first radially folded configuration (not specified) to a second radially expanded configuration. In some cases, stent 196 may be deployed to a configuration between the folded configuration and the expanded configuration, i.e., stent 196 may be deployed with an deployed diameter that is larger than the diameter of stent 196 or a particular part thereof when in the folded configuration, but smaller than the diameter of stent 196 or a particular part thereof when in the fully expanded configuration. In some cases, the anatomical structure into which stent 196 is deployed may affect its deployed configuration. For example, if the anatomical structure into which stent 196 is deployed has a smaller diameter than the diameter of stent 196 or a particular part thereof when fully expanded, stent 196 may have an deployed diameter that is intermediate between the diameter of its folded configuration and the diameter of its fully expanded configuration.

[0104] As shown in the radially expanded configuration, the stent 196 may include a migration-preventing flare region having a diameter enlarged relative to the diameter of the illustrated portion of the stent 196. The migration-preventing flare region, if present, may be configured to engage with the inner portion of the wall of the esophagus or other body lumen. The enlarged migration-preventing region may help prevent the stent 196 from moving after it has been placed in the esophagus or other body lumen. In some cases, the transition to the enlarged diameter may occur progressively, inclined, or in a steep, stepped manner, as needed.

[0105] In some cases, the first anti-movement flare region may have a first outer diameter, and the second anti-movement flare region may have a second outer diameter. In some cases, the first and second outer diameters may be substantially the same, but 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-movement flare regions, or may not include any anti-movement flare regions at all. For example, the first end of the stent 196 may include an anti-movement flare, but the second end of the stent 196 may not include an anti-movement flare. In some cases, the second end of the stent 196 may include an anti-movement flare, but the first end of the stent 196 may not include an anti-movement flare. The stent 196 may have an outer diameter in the range of 15 to 25 millimeters outside the flare region in a fully expanded configuration. The outer diameter of any anti-movement flare may be in the range of 20 to 30 millimeters in a fully expanded configuration. The outer diameter of stent 196 is intended to be variable to suit the desired application.

[0106] To enhance the flexibility of stent 196, stent 196 includes a first flexible reinforcement row 198, a second flexible reinforcement row 200, a third flexible reinforcement row 202, a fourth flexible reinforcement row 204, and a fifth flexible reinforcement row 206. Stent 196 may include additional flexible reinforcement rows. In some cases, stent 196 may include fewer flexible reinforcement rows. In some cases, as shown, each flexible reinforcement row 198, 200, 202, 204, 206 is rotated circumferentially with respect to adjacent flexible reinforcement rows 198, 200, 202, 204, 206. Figure 14A is a cross-sectional view through flexible reinforcement row 202, and Figure 14B is a cross-sectional view through flexible reinforcement row 204, so that the relative rotation between adjacent flexible reinforcement rows is easily visible.

[0107] Comparing Figure 14A and Figure 14B, it is easy to see that the flexible reinforcement row 204 is rotated clockwise relative to the flexible reinforcement row 202. Each of the flexible reinforcement rows 198, 200, 202, 204, and 206 contains several voids and several intervening stent wall segments. The voids can be thought of as windows cut into the stent 196 by laser cutting or sawing, etc. Rather than necessarily cutting individual filaments adjacent to the intersection between one filament and another, the windows formed within the stent 196 may be cut independently of where the intersection is located, and may, for example, have a straight shape. Other shapes are also conceivable. The polymer coating 216 surrounding the stent 196 can be seen as extending through the voids or windows cut into the stent 196.

[0108] For illustrative purposes, the first flexible reinforcement row 198 has a visible pair of voids 198b and 198c (a third void 198a is located behind the stent 198 and is not visible, 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 stent wall segments 208b.

[0109] The third flexible reinforcement row 202 has a pair of visible voids 202b and 202c (the third void 202a is located behind the stent 198 and is not visible, and a single stent wall segment 210 is visible between voids 202b and voids 202c). The fourth flexible reinforcement row 204 has a single void 240a visible between stent wall segments 212a and stent wall segments 212b. The fifth flexible reinforcement row 206 has a pair of visible voids 206b and 202c (the third void 206a is located behind the stent 198 and is not visible, and a single stent wall segment 214 is visible between voids 206b and voids 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 shorter 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 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 longer than the arc length of the voids dispersed between each of the stent wall segments 212a, 212b, 212c, 206, 210, and 214.

[0111] Figure 15 is a partial side view of an exemplary stent 220. The stent 220 includes a first segment 222, a second segment 224, and a third segment 226. Each of the first segment 222, the second segment 224, and the 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, before separating each of the first segment 222, the second segment 224, and the third segment 226. In some cases, the first segment 222, the second segment 224, and the third segment 226 may 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 the first segment 222, 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 the second segment 224, and 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 the third segment 226. In any case, the polymer coating 228 encloses the stent 220.

[0112] Figure 15A is a magnified view of a portion of the stent 220, showing the relationship between the first segment 222 and the second segment 224. The first segment 222 includes an end row 230 containing cells 230a, 230b, and 230c (as shown). The second segment 224 includes an end row 232 having cells 232a and 232b (as shown). It will be understood that the end rows 230 and 232, and the cells forming those end rows, continue circumferentially around the stent 220. It will be understood that cells 232a and 232b in the end row 232 are circumferentially offset from cells 230a, 230b, and 230c in the end row 230. This allows cells 232a and 232b to be nested between cells 230a, 230b, and 230c. Therefore, the peaks of the end row 230 of the first segment 222 may be positioned 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 therefore 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. A similar configuration and arrangement may be provided between the second segment 224 and the third segment 226.

[0113] Figure 16 is a partial side view of an exemplary stent 234. The stent 234 comprises a first segment 236, a second segment 238, and a third segment 240, which are bonded together by a polymer coating 242 (indicated by a dotted line pattern). Unlike Figure 15, in which segments 222, 224, and 226 share a braided pattern, segments 236, 238, and 240 in Figure 16 do not necessarily share a braided pattern. As shown, the first segment 236 and the third segment 240 have similar, if not identical, braided patterns, while the second segment 238 has a different braided pattern, forming a second segment 238 with fewer filaments braided together and 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 the first segment 236 and the third segment 240, respectively. The second segment 238 is braided separately. In some cases, the first segment 236, the second segment 238, and the third segment 240 may each 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 contain 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 contain fewer peaks than the end row of the first segment 236, such that not all valleys of the end row of the first segment 236 accept peaks 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 also conceivable.

[0115] In some cases, the end row of the second segment 238 adjacent to the third segment 240 may contain 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 in the figure, the end row of the second segment 238 may contain fewer peaks than the end row of the third segment 240, such that not all valleys of the end row of the third segment 240 accept peaks 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 also conceivable.

[0116] Figure 17 is a partial side view of an exemplary stent 244. The stent 244 comprises a first segment 246, a second segment 248, and a third segment 250, which are bonded together by a polymer coating 252 (indicated by a dotted line pattern). In this particular example, each of the first segment 246, the second segment 248, and the third segment 250 shares a similar braiding pattern but has 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 understood that each segment has different properties. In some cases, the braiding pattern may be changed by changing one or more of the following: the number of wires, the wire diameter, the braiding angle, etc.

[0117] In some cases, the end row of the second segment 248 adjacent to the first segment 246 may contain 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 also conceivable.

[0118] In some cases, the end row of the second segment 248 adjacent to the third segment 250 may contain 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 also conceivable.

[0119] Figure 18 is a partial side view of an exemplary stent 254. The stent 254 comprises a first segment 256, a second segment 258, and a third segment 260, which are bonded together by a polymer coating 262 (indicated by a dotted line pattern). In this particular example, the first segment 256 and the third segment 260 share a similar braiding pattern, while the second segment 258 has a different braiding pattern in which a larger number of filaments are braided together. It will be understood that the second segment 258 has different properties from those 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 contain 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 also conceivable.

[0121] In some cases, the end row of the second segment 258 adjacent to the third segment 260 may contain 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 also conceivable.

[0122] Figure 19 is a partial side view of an exemplary stent 262. The stent 262 comprises a first segment 264, a second segment 266, and a third segment 268, which are bonded together by a polymer coating 270 (indicated by a dotted line pattern). In this particular example, the three segments 264, 266, and 268 share a similar braiding pattern, but the relationship between the three segments 264, 266, and 268 differs slightly from that shown in Figures 15–18. In Figure 19, rather than having a fairly abrupt transition between adjacent segments, the braiding pattern is somewhat modified to provide a less traumatic end for each of the segments 264, 266, and 268.

[0123] Figure 19A is an enlarged view of a portion of the stent 262, showing the relationship between the first segment 264 and the second segment 266. The first segment 264 includes an end row 272 containing cells 272a, 272b, and 272c (as shown). The second segment 264 includes an end row 274 containing cells 274a and 274b (as shown). It will be understood that the end rows 272 and 274, and the cells forming those end rows, continue circumferentially around the stent 262. It will be understood that cells 274a and 274b in the end row 274 are circumferentially offset from cells 272a, 272b, and 272c in the end row 272. This makes it possible for cells 274a and 274b to be nested between cells 272a, 272b, and 272c. For example, the peaks of terminal row 272 may be longitudinally aligned with the valleys of terminal row 274, and therefore the valleys of terminal row 272 may be longitudinally aligned with the peaks of terminal row 274. Thus, each peak of terminal row 272 may be circumferentially positioned between each peak of terminal row 274, and each valley of terminal row 272 may be circumferentially positioned between each valley of terminal row 274. Furthermore, each of the cells 272a, 272b, and 272c within terminal row 272, and cells 274a and 274b within terminal row 272, has been modified to have a more gently curved, non-traumatic edge.

[0124] Figure 20 is a partial side view of an exemplary stent 276, and Figure 20A is a magnified view of that partial view. The stent 276 comprises a first segment 278, a second segment 280, and a third segment 282, which are at least partially bonded to each other by a polymer coating 284 (indicated by a dotted line pattern). In some respects, the stent 276 is similar to the stent 220 shown in Figure 15. However, the stent 276 includes fixing elements 286 and 288 that extend circumferentially around the circumference of the stent 276, and these fixing elements reciprocate in a sewing-like manner, 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 fixing elements 286 and 288 may be, for example, filaments (e.g., wire, thread, or suture). For example, as shown in Figure 20A, the fixing elements 288 (and 286) extend circumferentially around the circumference of the stent 276, while the fixing elements 288 (and 286) reciprocate in a sewing-like manner through the cells, bringing adjacent segments adjacent to each other.

[0125] It should be understood that this disclosure is illustrative in many respects. Modifications can be made in detail, particularly with respect to shape, size, and process configuration, without exceeding the scope of this disclosure. This may include, to a suitable extent, using any feature 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. It is a stent, An elongated tubular member expandable from a radially folded configuration to a radially expanded configuration, comprising a plurality of first filaments extending in a first helical direction and a plurality of second filaments extending in a second helical direction, wherein the plurality of first filaments extending in the first helical direction and the plurality of second filaments extending in the second helical direction overlap to form a plurality of cells arranged in rows extending circumferentially around the elongated tubular member, A stent in which at least some of the cells in one or more columns are adapted to provide the stent with increased flexibility.

2. The stent according to 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 cut in such a way as to divide at least some of the cells, thereby increasing the flexibility of the stent.

3. The stent according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least some of the plurality of cells have a substantially rhombic shape with four sides formed by a pair of filaments from the first plurality of filaments extending in the first helical direction and a pair of filaments from the second plurality of filaments extending in the second helical direction.

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

5. The stent according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein one or more columns of cells contain only divided cells, thereby dividing the elongated tubular member into two or more distinct segments.

6. The first segment of the two or more distinct segments has a first end having a plurality of cells in the first end row, The second segment of the two or more distinct segments has a second end having multiple cells within the second end row, The stent according to 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. The stent according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first segment of the two or more distinct segments has a first braiding pattern, and the second segment of the two or more distinct segments has a second braiding pattern different from the first braiding pattern.

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

9. It is a braided stent, An elongated tubular member that can be expanded from a radially folded configuration to a radially expanded configuration, A first segment comprising a plurality of first filaments extending in a spiral direction from left to right and a plurality of second filaments extending in a spiral direction from right to left, wherein the plurality of first filaments and the plurality of second filaments together form a plurality of first cells arranged in rows extending circumferentially around the first segment, An elongated tubular member comprising: a second segment having a plurality of third filaments extending in a spiral direction from left to right and a plurality of fourth filaments extending in a spiral direction from right to left, wherein the plurality of third filaments and the plurality of fourth filaments together form a plurality of second cells arranged in rows extending circumferentially around the second segment; A braided stent, wherein the first segment and the second segment are joined together to provide the braided stent with increased flexibility.

10. The braided stent according to claim 9, wherein the first segment and the second segment are joined together by having one or more of the third plurality of filaments which 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 which are extensions of one or more of the second plurality of filaments.

11. The braided stent according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first segment and the second segment are bonded together by a continuous polymer layer extending over 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 within a first end row, The second segment has a second end having a plurality of cells within the second end row, The braided stent according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the first segment and the second segment are joined to each other by fixed elements 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 spiral direction from left to right and a sixth plurality of filaments extending in a spiral direction from right to left, wherein the first plurality of filaments and the second plurality of filaments together form a first plurality of cells arranged in a row extending circumferentially around the first segment, The braided stent according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the second segment and the third segment are bonded to each other to provide the braided stent with increased flexibility.

14. It is a braided stent, An elongated tubular member expandable from a radially folded configuration to a radially extended configuration, comprising a plurality of cells arranged in a row extending circumferentially around the elongated tubular member, A braided stent in which at least some of the plurality of cells are adapted to increase the flexibility of the stent.

15. The elongated tubular member comprises a plurality of first filaments extending in a first helical direction and a plurality of second filaments extending in a second helical direction, wherein the plurality of first filaments extending in the first helical direction and the plurality of second filaments extending in the second helical direction overlap to form a plurality of cells arranged in rows extending circumferentially around the elongated tubular member. The braided stent according to 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 cut to separate at least some of the cells, thereby increasing the flexibility of the stent.

Images