Implantable devices having a variable braiding characteristic

Abstract

An implant, includes: a mesh body configured for implantation in a body; wherein the mesh body comprises a first mesh portion and a second mesh portion, wherein the first mesh portion of the mesh body is closer to a distal end of the implant than to a proximal end of the implant; and wherein the first mesh portion that is closer to the distal end of the implant than to the proximal end of the implant has a first stiffness, wherein the second mesh portion has a stiffness, and wherein the first stiffness of the first mesh portion is different from the second stiffness of the second mesh portion.

Description

Docket No.: 23-012 PCTIMPLANTABLE DEVICES HAVING A VARIABLE BRAIDING CHARACTERISTICFIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices and medical procedures, such as intravascular procedures and orthopedic procedures, more particularly, to stents, flow diverters, and other types of implants, and method of using the same.BACKGROUND

[0002] Stents are small, expandable structures (e.g., tubes, elliptical structures, irregular structures, structures with complex shapes, etc.) that are inserted into the body of the patient during a minimally invasive procedure. A stent's function is to hold open a narrowed or weak passage in the body, such as a blood vessel or airway.

[0003] Stents and flow diverters have been implanted in patients to treat various medical conditions. Stents may be used to treat, or help support a treatment of, a variety of diseases and medical conditions, including but not limited to: heart diseases, aneurysms, lung diseases, peripheral arterial diseases, and carotid artery diseases.

[0004] In one application of treatment of heart diseases, stents may be used to treat coronary artery disease, which occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply the heart with oxygenated blood. Stents may also treat angina, a type of chest pain caused by blocked arteries.

[0005] In the treatment of aneurysms, stents may be placed in the blood vessel extending across a neck of an aneurysm to support the treatment of the aneurysm.

[0006] In a treatment of lung disease, a stent may be implanted in a narrowed airway in the lung to maintain a size of an airway.

[0007] In the treatment of peripheral arterial diseases, stents may be used in the legs to treat peripheral arterial disease.

[0008] Stents may also be used in the neck to treat carotid artery disease, which occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply the brain with oxygenated blood.

[0009] Applicant of the subject disclosure determines that new and improved stents may be desirable.Docket No.: 23-012 PCTSUMMARY

[0010] An implant, includes: a mesh body configured for implantation in a body; wherein the mesh body comprises a first mesh portion and a second mesh portion, wherein the first mesh portion of the mesh body is closer to a distal end of the implant than to a proximal end of the implant; and wherein the first mesh portion that is closer to the distal end of the implant than to the proximal end of the implant has a first stiffness, wherein the second mesh portion has a stiffness, and wherein the first stiffness of the first mesh portion is different from the second stiffness of the second mesh portion.

[0011] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, the second mesh portion has a second braid pattern, and wherein the second braid pattern is different from the first braid pattern.

[0012] Optionally, the mesh body has a third mesh portion, wherein the third mesh portion has a third braid pattern, and wherein the second braid pattern is different from the third braid pattern.

[0013] Optionally, the first braid pattern comprises a half load pattern, the second braid pattern comprises a full load pattern, and the third braid pattern comprises another diamond load pattern.

[0014] Optionally, the first braid pattern comprises a diamond load pattern, the second braid pattern comprises a full load pattern, and the third braid pattern comprises another half load pattern.

[0015] Optionally, the first braid pattern comprises one of: 1 over 2 under 2, 2 over 2 under 2, 1 over 1 under 1, 1 over 3 under 3, 3 over 3 under 3, 1 over 4 under 4, or 4 over 4 under 4; and wherein the second braid pattern comprises another one of: 1 over 2 under 2, 2 over 2 under 2, 1 over 1 under 1, 1 over 3 under 3, 3 over 3 under 3, 1 over 4 under 4, or 4 over 4 under 4.

[0016] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count, and wherein the first wire count is equal to the second wire count.

[0017] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count, and wherein the first wire count is different from the second wire count.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT

[0018] Optionally, the first mesh portion comprises a first wire made from a first material, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire made from the first material.

[0019] Optionally, the first mesh portion comprises a first wire made from a first material, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire made from a second material different from the first material.

[0020] Optionally, the first mesh portion comprises a first wire having a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire having a second cross-sectional dimension that is the same as the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0021] Optionally, the first mesh portion comprises a first wire having a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire having a second cross-sectional dimension that is different from the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0022] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first wire count, the second mesh portion has a second wire count, and wherein the second wire count is different from the first wire count.

[0023] Optionally, the mesh body has a third mesh portion, wherein the third mesh portion has a third wire count, and wherein the second wire count is different from the third wire count.

[0024] Optionally, the first wire count is different from the third wire count.

[0025] Optionally, the first wire count comprises one of: 32 wires, 40 wires, 48 wires, or 64 wires; and wherein the second wire count comprises another one of: 32 wires, 40 wires, 48 wires, or 64 wires.

[0026] Optionally, the first mesh portion comprises a first wire made from a first material, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire made from a second material different from the first material.

[0027] Optionally, the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the second material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is the same as the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0028] Optionally, the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the second material has aDocket No.: 23-012 PCTsecond cross-sectional dimension that is different from the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0029] Optionally, the first mesh portion comprises a first wire made from a first material, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire made from the first material.

[0030] Optionally, the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the first material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is the same as the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0031] Optionally, the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the first material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is different from the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0032] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid patter that is the same as the first braid pattern.

[0033] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid patter that is different from the first braid pattern.

[0034] Optionally, the first mesh portion comprises a first wire made from a first material, the second mesh portion comprises a second wire made from a second material that is different from the first material.

[0035] Optionally, the third mesh portion comprises a third wire made from a third material, and wherein the second material is different from the third material.

[0036] Optionally, the first material is different from the third material.

[0037] Optionally, the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the second material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is the same as the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0038] Optionally, the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the second material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is different from the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0039] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count that is the same as the first wire count.

[0040] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count that is different from the first wire count.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT

[0041] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid pattern that is the same as the first braid pattern.

[0042] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid pattern that is different from the first braid pattern.

[0043] Optionally, the first mesh portion comprises a first wire having a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire having a second cross-sectional dimension that is different from the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0044] Optionally, the first wire of the first mesh portion is made from a first material, and the second wire of the second mesh portion is made from the first material.

[0045] Optionally, the first wire of the first mesh portion is made from a first material, and the second wire of the second mesh portion is made from a second material that is different from the first material.

[0046] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count that is the same as the first wire count.

[0047] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count that is different from the first wire count.

[0048] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid pattern that is the same as the first braid pattern.

[0049] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid pattern that is different from the first braid pattern.

[0050] Optionally, the implant is a stent.

[0051] Optionally, the stent has a cross-sectional dimension that is anywhere from 1 mm to 15 mm.

[0052] Optionally, the stent has a longitudinal length that is anywhere from 6 mm to 100 mm.

[0053] Optionally, the mesh body comprises a wire having a cross-sectional dimension that is anywhere from 9 urn to 120 urn.

[0054] Optionally, an entirety of the stent has a longitudinal length, and wherein the first mesh portion of the mesh body is less than 30% of the longitudinal length of the stent.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT

[0055] Optionally, an entirety of the stent has a longitudinal length, and wherein the first mesh portion of the mesh body is at least 5% of the longitudinal length of the stent.

[0056] Optionally, the mesh body has a third mesh portion, wherein an entirety of the stent has a longitudinal length, and wherein the third mesh portion of the mesh body is less than 30% of the longitudinal length of the stent.

[0057] Optionally, the mesh body has a third mesh portion, wherein an entirety of the stent has a longitudinal length, and wherein the third mesh portion of the mesh body is at least 5% of the longitudinal length of the stent.

[0058] Optionally, the distal end of the stent has a distal stent opening, and wherein a radial expansion stiffness of the first mesh portion is configured to prevent, or reduce a risk of, the distal stent opening narrowing or collapsing after the stent is delivered into the body.

[0059] Optionally, the implant is a framing device.

[0060] Optionally, the framing device is configured for placement in an aneurysm.

[0061] Optionally, the framing device comprises an elongated member, the elongated member being the mesh body, and wherein the first mesh portion and the second mesh portion are serially arranged along a longitudinal axis of the elongated member.

[0062] Optionally, the implant is a vaso-occlusive device.

[0063] Optionally, the vaso-occlusive device is configured for placement in an aneurysm.

[0064] Optionally, the vaso-occlusive device comprises an elongated member, the elongated member being the mesh body, and wherein the first mesh portion and the second mesh portion are serially arranged along a longitudinal axis of the elongated member.

[0065] Optionally, the implant is a neck-bridging device.

[0066] Optionally, the neck-bridging device comprises a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the proximal portion is configured for placement across a neck of an aneurysm.

[0067] Optionally, the distal portion comprises the first mesh portion, and the proximal portion comprises the second mesh portion.

[0068] Optionally, the mesh body comprises a wire made from CoCr, NiTi, PtW, AuPt, MoRe, Ta, DFT- CoCrPt, or NiTiPt.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT

[0069] Optionally, the mesh body comprises a wire that is a drawn-filled-tube.

[0070] A stent includes: a mesh body configured for implantation in a body, the mesh body having a tubular configuration; wherein the mesh body comprises a first mesh portion, a second mesh portion, and a third mesh portion, wherein the first mesh portion of the mesh body is closer to a distal end of the stent than to a proximal end of the stent, wherein the third mesh portion is closer to the proximal end of the stent than to the distal end of the stent, and wherein the second mesh portion is between the first mesh portion and the third mesh portion; and wherein the first mesh portion that is closer to the distal end of the stent than to the proximal end of the stent has a first radial expansion stiffness, wherein the second mesh portion has a second radial expansion stiffness, and wherein the first radial expansion stiffness of the first mesh portion is larger than or equal to the second radial expansion stiffness of the second mesh portion.

[0071] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, the second mesh portion has a second braid pattern, and wherein the second braid pattern is different from the first braid pattern.

[0072] Optionally, the third mesh portion has a third braid pattern, and wherein the second braid pattern is different from the third braid pattern.

[0073] Optionally, the first braid pattern comprises a half load pattern, the second braid pattern comprises a full load pattern, and the third braid pattern comprises another diamond load pattern.

[0074] Optionally, the first braid pattern comprises a diamond load pattern, the second braid pattern comprises a full load pattern, and the third braid pattern comprises another half load pattern.

[0075] Optionally, the first braid pattern comprises one of: 1 over 2 under 2, 2 over 2 under 2, 1 over 1 under 1, 1 over 3 under 3, 3 over 3 under 3, 1 over 4 under 4, or 4 over 4 under 4; and wherein the second braid pattern comprises another one of: 1 over 2 under 2, 2 over 2 under 2, 1 over 1 under 1, 1 over 3 under 3, 3 over 3 under 3, 1 over 4 under 4, or 4 over 4 under 4.

[0076] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count, and wherein the first wire count is equal to the second wire count.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT

[0077] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count, and wherein the first wire count is different from the second wire count.

[0078] Optionally, the first mesh portion comprises a first wire made from a first material, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire made from the first material.

[0079] Optionally, the first mesh portion comprises a first wire made from a first material, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire made from a second material different from the first material.

[0080] Optionally, the first mesh portion comprises a first wire having a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire having a second cross-sectional dimension that is the same as the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0081] Optionally, the first mesh portion comprises a first wire having a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire having a second cross-sectional dimension that is different from the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0082] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first wire count, the second mesh portion has a second wire count, and wherein the second wire count is different from the first wire count.

[0083] Optionally, the third mesh portion has a third wire count, and wherein the second wire count is different from the third wire count.

[0084] Optionally, the first wire count is different from the third wire count.

[0085] Optionally, the first wire count comprises one of: 32 wires, 40 wires, 48 wires, or 64 wires; and wherein the second wire count comprises another one of: 32 wires, 40 wires, 48 wires, or 64 wires.

[0086] Optionally, the first mesh portion comprises a first wire made from a first material, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire made from a second material different from the first material.

[0087] Optionally, the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the second material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is the same as the first cross-sectional dimension.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT

[0088] Optionally, the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the second material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is different from the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0089] Optionally, the first mesh portion comprises a first wire made from a first material, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire made from the first material.

[0090] Optionally, the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the first material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is the same as the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0091] Optionally, the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the first material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is different from the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0092] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid patter that is the same as the first braid pattern.

[0093] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid patter that is different from the first braid pattern.

[0094] Optionally, the first mesh portion comprises a first wire made from a first material, the second mesh portion comprises a second wire made from a second material that is different from the first material.

[0095] Optionally, the third mesh portion comprises a third wire made from a third material, and wherein the second material is different from the third material.

[0096] Optionally, the first material is different from the third material.

[0097] Optionally, the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the second material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is the same as the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0098] Optionally, the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the second material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is different from the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0099] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count that is the same as the first wire count.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT

[0100] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count that is different from the first wire count.

[0101] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid pattern that is the same as the first braid pattern.

[0102] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid pattern that is different from the first braid pattern.

[0103] Optionally, the first mesh portion comprises a first wire having a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire having a second cross-sectional dimension that is different from the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0104] Optionally, the first wire of the first mesh portion is made from a first material, and the second wire of the second mesh portion is made from the first material.

[0105] Optionally, the first wire of the first mesh portion is made from a first material, and the second wire of the second mesh portion is made from a second material that is different from the first material.

[0106] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count that is the same as the first wire count.

[0107] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count that is different from the first wire count.

[0108] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid pattern that is the same as the first braid pattern.

[0109] Optionally, the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid pattern that is different from the first braid pattern.

[0110] Optionally, the stent has a cross-sectional dimension that is anywhere from 1 mm to 15 mm.

[0111] Optionally, the stent has a longitudinal length that is anywhere from 6 mm to 100 mm.

[0112] Optionally, the mesh body comprises a wire having a cross-sectional dimension that is anywhere from 9 urn to 120 urn.

[0113] Optionally, the mesh body comprises a wire made from CoCr, NiTi, PtW, AuPt, MoRe, Ta, DFT- CoCrPt, or NiTiPt.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT

[0114] Optionally, an entirety of the stent has a longitudinal length, and wherein the first mesh portion of the mesh body is less than 30% of the longitudinal length of the stent.

[0115] Optionally, an entirety of the stent has a longitudinal length, and wherein the first mesh portion of the mesh body is at least 5% of the longitudinal length of the stent.

[0116] Optionally, an entirety of the stent has a longitudinal length, and wherein the third mesh portion of the mesh body is less than 30% of the longitudinal length of the stent.

[0117] Optionally, an entirety of the stent has a longitudinal length, and wherein the third mesh portion of the mesh body is at least 5% of the longitudinal length of the stent.

[0118] Optionally, the distal end of the stent has a distal stent opening, and wherein the first radial expansion stiffness of the first mesh portion is configured to prevent, or reduce a risk of, the distal stent opening narrowing or collapsing after the stent is delivered into the body.

[0119] An implant includes: a mesh portion; and a coil; wherein the mesh portion transitions to the coil, and wherein the implant comprises one or more wires forming both the mesh portion and the coil.

[0120] Optionally, the mesh portion has a first tubular configuration, and wherein the coil has a second tubular configuration.

[0121] Optionally, the mesh portion has a flat configuration, and the coil has a tubular configuration.

[0122] Optionally, the mesh portion has a first stiffness, and wherein the coil has a second stiffness that is different from the first stiffness.

[0123] Optionally, the implant is a stent.

[0124] Optionally, the implant is a framing device.

[0125] Optionally, the implant is a vaso-occlusive device.

[0126] Other and further aspects and features will be evident from reading the following detailed description.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0127] The drawings illustrate the design and utility of embodiments, in which similar elements are referred to by common reference numerals. In order to betterDocket No.: 23-012 PCTappreciate how the above-recited and other advantages and objects are obtained, a more particular description of the embodiments will be rendered, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only exemplary embodiments and are not therefore to be considered limiting in the scope of the claims.

[0128] FIG. 1 is a side view of a treatment system, particularly showing a stent within a delivery catheter in a delivery configuration;

[0129] FIG. 2 is a side view of the treatment system of FIG. 1, particularly showing the stent deployed from the delivery catheter in an expanded configuration;

[0130] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a mesh portion of a mesh body of the stent in the treatment system of FIG. 1;

[0131] FIG. 4A is an example of a cross-sectional view of a wire that may be used to construct the mesh body of FIG. 3;

[0132] FIG. 4B is another example of a cross-sectional view of a wire that may be used to construct the mesh body of FIG. 3;

[0133] FIG. 40 is another example of a cross-sectional view of a wire that may be used to construct the mesh body of FIG. 3;

[0134] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a mesh body of the stent of FIG. 1 , particularly showing the stent having variable mesh portions;

[0135] FIG. 6A illustrates an example of a full-load pattern;

[0136] FIG. 6B illustrates an example of a diamond load pattern;

[0137] FIG. 60 illustrates an example of a half-load pattern;

[0138] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate examples of fish-mouthing, in which a braid having a distal opening that narrows after the braid is delivered;

[0139] FIG. 8A illustrates an example of shelfing of a braid;

[0140] FIG. 8B illustrates an example of a braid collapsing after delivery;

[0141] FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a mesh body of the stent of FIG. 1 , particularly showing the stent having variable mesh portions;

[0142] FIG. 10 illustrates another example of a mesh body of the stent of FIG. 1, particularly showing the stent having variable mesh portions;

[0143] FIG. 11 illustrates another example of a mesh body of the stent of FIG. 1 , particularly showing the stent having variable mesh portions;

[0144] FIG. 12A illustrates an example of a neck-bridging device;

[0145] FIG. 12B illustrates another example of a neck-bridging device;

[0146] FIG. 12C illustrates another example of a neck-bridging device;Docket No.: 23-012 PCT

[0147] FIG. 12D illustrates another example of a neck-bridging device;

[0148] FIG. 13A illustrates an example of an implant;

[0149] FIG. 13B illustrates another example of an implant;

[0150] FIG. 13C illustrates another example of an implant;

[0151] FIG. 13D illustrates another example of an implant; and

[0152] FIG. 14 illustrates another example of an implant.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0153] Various embodiments are described hereinafter with reference to the figures. It should be noted that elements of similar structures or functions are represented by the same reference numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention or as a limitation on the scope of the invention. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a treatment system 10 in accordance with the present disclosure will now be described. The treatment system 10 comprises a delivery catheter 12 and a stent 14 slidably disposed within the delivery catheter 12. The stent 14 comprises a mesh body 16 and a pusher member 18 to which the mesh body 16 is detachably coupled.

[0155] The delivery catheter 12 has a tubular configuration, and can, e.g., take the form of a micro-catheter or the like. The delivery catheter 12 comprises an elongate sheath body 22 having a proximal portion 24 and a distal portion 26, and a lumen 28 (shown in phantom) extending through the sheath body 22 between the proximal portion 24 and the distal portion 26. The proximal portion 24 of the sheath body 22 remains outside of the patient and accessible to the operator when the treatment system 10 is in use, while the distal portion 26 of the sheath body 22 is sized and dimensioned to reach remote locations of a vasculature and is configured to deliver the stent 14 to a target location in a blood vessel. The delivery catheter 12 may have at least one port 30 in fluid communication with the lumen 28 of the delivery catheter 12, which is used to introduce fluids into the sheath body 22. TheDocket No.: 23-012 PCTstent 14 is disposed in the lumen 28 of the delivery catheter 12, as better appreciated in FIG. 1.

[0156] The delivery catheter 12 may include one or more, or a plurality of regions along its length having different configurations and / or characteristics. For example, the distal portion 26 of the sheath body 22 may have an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the proximal portion 24 of the sheath body 22 to reduce the profile of the distal portion 26 and facilitate navigation in tortuous vasculature. Furthermore, the distal portion 26 may be more flexible than the proximal portion 24. Generally, the proximal portion 24 may be formed from material that is stiffer than the distal portion 26 of the sheath body 22, so that the proximal portion 24 has sufficient pushability to advance through the patient's vascular system, while the distal portion 26 may be formed of a more flexible material so that the distal portion 26 may remain flexible and track more easily over a guidewire to access remote locations in tortuous regions of the vasculature. The sheath body 22 may be composed of suitable polymeric materials, metals and / or alloys, such as polyethylene, stainless steel or other suitable biocompatible materials or combinations thereof. In some instances, the proximal portion 24 may include a reinforcement layer, such a braided layer or coiled layer to enhance the pushability of the sheath body 22. The sheath body 22 may include a transition region between the proximal portion 24 and the distal portion 26.

[0157] In general, the stent 14 may be inserted into the patient by inserting (e.g., minimally invasively) the treatment system 10 into the patient's vasculature to reach the aneurysm site. The delivery catheter 12 is, thus, made as small as possible, and has an extremely narrow inner diameter (i.e. , lumen 28) (e.g., between 0.013" and 0.090", and preferably between 0.017" and 0.032"). The treatment system 10 may be used in an “over-the-wire” configuration, wherein the delivery catheter 12 is introduced into the patient over a guidewire that has been previously introduced, and the delivery catheter 12 extends over the entire length of the guidewire (not shown). Alternatively, the treatment system 10 may be used in a “rapid-exchange” configuration, where a guidewire extends through only a distal portion of the treatment system 10 from a guidewire port (not shown). In other alternative embodiments, the system 10 may be introduced into the patient after a guidewire had been withdrawn leaving a sheath or access catheter distal portion at the targetDocket No.: 23-012 PCTsite for the treatment system 10 to navigate through the vasculature of the patient within the sheath or access catheter.

[0158] At the target site inside the patient, the stent 14 may be pushed distally out of the delivery catheter 12 residing in the parent vessel and into the target site via the pusher member 18. After being delivered from the delivery catheter 12, the stent 14 may self-expand into a pre-set expanded configuration. Once the stent 14 is delivered to the target sight, the delivery catheter 12 may then be removed from the patient.

[0159] The pusher member 18 may be a coil, wire, tendon, or the like, having a sufficient columnar strength to permit pushing of the stent 14 into the target location. The pusher member 18 has a proximal portion 32 that extends proximal from the proximal portion 24 of the delivery catheter 12 and a distal portion 34 with a distal end 20 to which the stent 14 is coupled. The pusher member 18 may be made of a conventional guidewire, torqueable cable tube, or a hypotube. In either case, there are numerous materials that can be used for the pusher member 18 to achieve the desired properties that are commonly associated with medical devices. Some examples can include metals, metal alloys, polymers, metal-polymer composites, and the like, or any other suitable material. For example, the pusher member 18 may include nickel-titanium alloy, stainless steel, a composite of nickel-titanium alloy and stainless steel. In some cases, the pusher member 18 can be made of the same material along its length, or in some embodiments, can include portions or sections made of different materials. In some embodiments, the material used to construct the pusher member 18 is chosen to impart varying flexibility and stiffness characteristics to different portions of the pusher member 18. For example, the proximal region and the distal portion 34 of the pusher member 18 may be formed of different materials, for example materials having different moduli of elasticity, resulting in a difference in flexibility. For example, the proximal portion 32 can be formed of stainless steel, and the distal portion 34 can be formed of a nickel-titanium alloy. However, any suitable material or combination of material may be used for the pusher member 18, as desired.

[0160] The stent 14 includes a mesh body 40, and is sized for implantation at a target location in a blood vessel, which can take any geometry or shape in its crosssection. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the stent 14 takes the form of a resilient tubular member having a proximal end 36 and a distal end 38. The stent 14Docket No.: 23-012 PCThas a compact delivery configuration when radially restrained within the delivery catheter 12 and is biased to radially expand outward into a deployed configuration when released from the delivery catheter 12 into a target location (e.g., blood vessel). The cross-sectional dimension of the stent 14, in its expanded deployed configuration, may, e.g., be greater than 1.1 times, or greater than 1.2 times, or greater than 1.5 times, or greater than 2 times, or greater than 3 times, or greater than 4 times, or greater than 5 times, or greater than 6 times, or greater than 7 times, or greater than 8 times, or greater than 9 times, or greater than 10 times, the cross-sectional dimension of the stent 14, in its compact delivery configuration.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 3, the mesh body 40 (i.e. , the mesh body 16 of FIG. 1) of the stent 14 may be formed by wires 42 coupled (e.g., braided) into a braided structure. Each wire 42 may be a monofilament strand, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, although in other cases, each wire 42 may a multi-filament strand, as illustrated in FIG. 40. Each wire 42 may have any suitable cross-section with any suitable dimension. For example, the cross-section of each wire 42 may be circular (as illustrated in FIG. 4A). In other cases, the cross-section of each wire 42 may be rectangular (as illustrated in FIG. 4B) or square. In further cases, each wire 42 may take the form of a twisted wire (as illustrated in FIG. 4C) to enhance the flexibility of the resulting stent 14. The wire 42 may have other cross-sectional shapes in other cases, such as an elliptical cross-section, a polygonal cross-section, etc.

[0162] The mesh body 40 of the stent 14 may have a wire count that is anywhere from 3-288 wires. For examples, the wire count for at least a segment of the stent 14 may be 12 wires, 16 wires, 24 wires, 32 wires, 40 wires, 48 wires, 64 wires, or 72 wires.

[0163] Also, in some cases, the stent 14 may be a braided structure having crossing wires 42 forming a braid angle 44 that is anywhere from 20° to 130 °, or anywhere from 20° to 60°, when the stent 14 is in the deployed configuration. In other cases, the braid angle may be less than 20°. In further cases the braid angle may be more than 60° or more than 130°. The braid angle 44 may be the angle between two crossing wires 42 viewed in a direction perpendicular to and towards the longitudinal axis. The braid angle 44 may be an unconstrained braid angle or a constrained braid angle.

[0164] In some cases, selecting the braid angle 44 may enhance pushability of the stent 14 within the delivery catheter 12 by preventing collapse of the mesh bodyDocket No.: 23-012 PCT40, which could otherwise result in bunching of the mesh body 40 in the delivery catheter 12 when pushing and causing jamming of the stent 14 within the delivery catheter 12. Ultimately, the number of wires 42 in the mesh body 40, the braid angle 44, and / or the expanded configuration relative to the collapsed configuration of the mesh body 40 can be selected to optimally fit the inner diameter of the delivery catheter 12.

[0165] In some cases, the stent 14 may have a cross-sectional dimension that is anywhere from 1 mm to 15 mm. Also, in some cases, the stent 14 may have a longitudinal length that is anywhere from 6 mm to 100 mm. The mesh body 40 of the stent 14 may be a braided structure formed by wires that are braided together. In some cases, a wire 42 forming the mesh body 40 of the stent 14 may have a cross-sectional dimension that is anywhere from 9 urn to 120 urn. The wires 42 of the mesh body 40 may be made from CoCr, NiTi, PtW, AuPt, MoRe, Ta, DFT- CoCrPt, NiTiPt, or any combination of two or more of the foregoing. In other cases, the wires 42 of the mesh body 40 may be made from other materials. Also, in some cases, the wires 42 of the mesh body 40 may be coated with a drug or agent.

[0166] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a stent 500 having variable mesh portions. The stent 500 may be the stent 14 of FIG. 1 in some cases. As shown in the figure, the stent 500 includes a mesh body 502 configured for implantation in a body. The mesh body 502 may have a tubular configuration. The mesh body 502 includes a first mesh portion 510, a second mesh portion 512, and a third mesh portion 514. The first mesh portion 510 of the mesh body 500 is closer to a distal end 530 of the stent 502 than to a proximal end 540 of the stent 500. The third mesh portion 514 is closer to the proximal end 540 of the stent 500 than to the distal end 530 of the stent 500. The second mesh portion 512 is between the first mesh portion 510 and the third mesh portion 514. In the illustrated example, the first mesh portion 510 that is closer to the distal end 530 of the stent 500 than to the proximal end 540 of the stent 500 has a first radial expansion stiffness. The second mesh portion 512 has a second radial expansion stiffness. The first radial expansion stiffness of the first mesh portion 510 is larger than or equal to the second radial expansion stiffness of the second mesh portion 512.

[0167] As used in this specification, the term “radial expansion stiffness” refers to a stiffness, a strength, or a collapse-resisting ability (such as a radial force away from a central axis of the stent 500) in a radial direction at a cross-section of a stent.Docket No.: 23-012 PCTIn some cases, the radial expansion stiffness may be a metric having the unit, force / distance. In other cases, for a given unit displacement in the radial direction, the radial expansion stiffness may then be a metric having the unit of force. In further cases, the radial expansion stiffness may be other metrics having other units.

[0168] In the illustrated example, an entirety of the stent 500 has a longitudinal length, and the first mesh portion 510 of the mesh body 502 may be less than 30% of the longitudinal length of the stent 500. Alternatively or additionally, the first mesh portion 510 of the mesh body 502 may be at least 5% of the longitudinal length of the entirety of the stent 500.

[0169] Similarly, the third mesh portion 514 of the mesh body 502 may be less than 30% of the longitudinal length of the stent 500. Alternatively or additionally, the third mesh portion 514 of the mesh body 502 may be at least 5% of the longitudinal length of the entirety of the stent 500.

[0170] As described, the first radial expansion stiffness of the first mesh portion 510 is larger than or equal to the second radial expansion stiffness of the second mesh portion 512. The first radial expansion stiffness of the first mesh portion 510 is configured to prevent, or reduce a risk of, a distal stent opening 550 (at the distal end of the stent 500) narrowing or collapsing after the stent 500 is delivered into the body. This feature is advantageous because it ensures that a distal stent opening 550 at the distal end 552 of the stent can maintain a desired size (e.g., cross-sectional dimension, such as an opening diameter) after the stent 500 is delivered into a body of a patient.

[0171] Various techniques may be employed to configure the first radial expansion stiffness of the first mesh portion 510 in order to strengthen the distal stent portion.

[0172] In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the first mesh portion 510 has a first braid pattern, the second mesh portion 512 has a second braid pattern, and wherein the second braid pattern is different from the first braid pattern. The third mesh portion 514 has a third braid pattern. The third braid pattern is the same as the first braid pattern in the illustrated example. In other cases, the third braid pattern may be different from the first braid pattern. Also, in other cases, the third braid pattern may be the same as the second braid pattern.

[0173] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the first mesh portion 510 has a diamond load pattern with 16 wire count, the second mesh portion 512 has a full load patternDocket No.: 23-012 PCTwith 16 wire count, and the third mesh portion 514 has a diamond load pattern with 16 wire count. In other cases, the first mesh portion 510 may have a full load pattern, the second mesh portion 512 may have a diamond load pattern, and the third mesh portion 514 may have a full load pattern.

[0174] In general, a mesh portion (e.g., mesh portion 510 / 5121514) may have a full-load pattern, a diamond load pattern, or a half-load pattern. FIG. 6A illustrates an example of a full-load pattern. FIG. 6B illustrates an example of a diamond load pattern. FIG. 60 illustrates an example of a half-load pattern.

[0175] In some cases, the first braid pattern of the first mesh portion 510 may be one of: a full-load pattern, a diamond load pattern, or a half-load pattern, and the second braid pattern of the second mesh portion 512 may be another one of: a fullload pattern, a diamond load pattern, or a half-load pattern. For example, in some cases, the first braid pattern of the first mesh portion 510 may be a half load pattern, the second braid pattern of the second mesh portion 512 may be a full load pattern, and the third braid pattern of the third mesh portion 514 may be another half load pattern. In another example, the first braid pattern of the first mesh portion 510 may be a diamond load pattern, the second braid pattern of the second mesh portion 512 may be a full load pattern, and the third braid pattern of the third mesh portion 514 may be another diamond load pattern. In a further example, the first braid pattern of the first mesh portion 510 may be a full load pattern, the second braid pattern of the second mesh portion 512 may be a diamond load pattern, and the third braid pattern of the third mesh portion 514 may be another full load pattern.

[0176] Also, in some cases, the first braid pattern of the first mesh portion 510 may comprise one of: 1 over 2 under 2 (full load), 2 over 2 under 2 (diamond load), 1 over 1 under 1 (half load), 1 over 3 under 3, 3 over 3 under 3, 1 over 4 under 4, or 4 over 4 under 4; and the second braid pattern of the second mesh portion 512 may comprise another one of: 1 over 2 under 2, 2 over 2 under 2, 1 over 1 under 1 , 1 over 3 under 3, 3 over 3 under 3, 1 over 4 under 4, or 4 over 4 under 4.

[0177] Providing a first braid pattern for the first mesh portion 510 that is different from the second braid pattern for the second mesh portion 512 is advantageous. This is because the first braid pattern can configure the first radial expansion stiffness of the first mesh portion 510 to prevent, or reduce a risk of, a distal stent opening 550 (at the distal end of the stent 500) narrowing or collapsing after the stent 500 is delivered into the body. This ensures that a distal stent opening 550 atDocket No.: 23-012 PCTthe distal end 552 of the stent can maintain a desired size (e.g., cross-sectional dimension, such as an opening diameter) after the stent 500 is delivered into a body of a patient. Such technical feature may reduce or prevent fish-mouthing, shelfing, and / or braid collapse at an end of the implant.

[0178] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate examples of fish-mouthing. Fish-mouthing is the narrowing of an end of a stent (cone / tapered shape) with more than 25% decrease of the outer stent diameter compared with expected or designed diameter. Fishmouthing may occur at proximal and / or distal tips of a stent, and may be attributable to deployment technique, anatomy, stent design, sizing, post deployment vessel or blood flow changes, or any combination of the foregoing. The narrowing at the end of the stent in the “fish-mouthing” situation may occur as soon as the stent is deployed out of the catheter in some cases. In other cases, after the stent has been implanted for a while, the narrowing at the end of the stent may then gradually occur. In either case, the narrowing at the end of the stent is unintended, and is undesirable. Such phenomenon may occur sometimes despite the stent being designed to have a uniform cross-sectional dimension along its entire length. For example, a stent design may show the stent, at least schematically, as having a uniform cross-sectional dimension along its entire length after the stent is deployed. However, in reality, in some cases, such uniform cross-sectional dimension is not achieved with the actual stent device.

[0179] FIG. 8A illustrates an example of shelfing occurring at a proximal end of a stent (“proximal shelf” or “proximal shelfing”). Proximal shelf is a phenomenon that may occur at stent deployment, and is often linked to improper apposition (the stent wall not conforming properly to the vessel wall) at proximal end of the stent. The "shelf1indicates a ledge-like structure. Difficult anatomy (i.e. sharp curve or kink on vessel) may attributable to proximal shelf. This phenomenon may cause complications, such as disruption of blood flow, thrombosis, or stent migration if not addressed.

[0180] FIG. 8B illustrates an example of a braid collapse. Braid collapse may occur at a proximal or distal segment of an implant (e.g., stent), and it is a decrease in the stent diameter resulting in a bottle-necked or cigar-shaped deformation. In a braid collapse, the diameter decrease may be more than 33% of the designed or intended diameter, and the decrease occurs at a longitudinal segment of an implant that is more than 33% of a total longitudinal length of the implant. However, unlikeDocket No.: 23-012 PCTfish-mouthing, the braid collapse of the implant involves a larger (longer) segment of the implant.

[0181] In the above example, the stent 500 is illustrated as having a uniform cross-sectional dimension along its longitudinal length. In other cases, a distal part and / or a proximal part of the stent 500 may have an expanded cross-sectional dimension that is larger than the expanded cross-sectional dimension of an intermediate part (e.g., mesh portion 512). For example, in some cases, the first mesh portion 510 (or at least a distal-most part of the first mesh portion 510) may have an expanded cross-sectional dimension that is larger than the expanded cross-sectional dimension of the intermediate part. Such feature may allow the first mesh portion 510 to exert a higher radial force towards a vessel wall after the stent 500 is deployed, thereby improving an anchoring capability and / or a conformability (e.g., conforming to the vessel wall) for the distal part of the stent 500. Alternatively or additionally, in some cases, the third mesh portion 514 (or at least a proximal-most part of the third mesh portion 514) may have an expanded cross-sectional dimension that is larger than the expanded cross-sectional dimension of the intermediate part. Such feature may allow the third mesh portion 514 to exert a higher radial force towards a vessel wall after the stent 500 is deployed, thereby improving an anchoring capability and / or a conformability (e.g., conforming to the vessel wall) for the proximal part of the stent 500.

[0182] In some cases, instead of, or in addition to, having different braid patterns for the first and second mesh portions 510, 512 (and optionally, the third mesh portion 514), the stent 500 may also have different wire counts for different mesh portions (e.g., mesh portions 510, 512, and / or 514). For example, the first mesh portion 510 may have a first wire count, and the second mesh portion 512 may have a second wire count, and the first wire count may be different from the second wire count. The first wire count of the first mesh portion 510 may configure, or may assist in configuring, the first mesh portion 510 to have the first radial expansion stiffness. Alternatively, the first mesh portion 510 may have a first wire count, and the second mesh portion 512 may have a second wire count, and the first wire count may be the same as the second wire count. In such cases, the first mesh portion 510 and the second mesh portion 512 may be considered as having the same first wire count. Optionally, the third mesh portion 514 may have a third wire count. In some cases, the third wire count may be the same as the first wire count, but is different from theDocket No.: 23-012 PCTsecond wire count. In other cases, the third wire count of the third mesh portion 514 may be different from the first wire count of the first mesh portion 510. Also, in some cases, the third wire count of the third mesh portion 514 may be the same as the second wire count of the second mesh portion 512.

[0183] By means of non-limiting examples, the first mesh portion 510, the second mesh portion 512, and the third mesh portion may have any of the below wire counts:64 wires, 72 wires, 64 wires for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rdmesh portions respectively 48 wires, 64 wires, 48 wires for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rdmesh portions respectively 40 wires, 48 wires, 40 wires for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rdmesh portions respectively 32 wires, 40 wires, 32 wires for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rdmesh portions respectively 32 wires, 72 wires, 32 wires for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rdmesh portions respectively 24 wires, 64 wires, 24 wires for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rdmesh portions respectively 16 wires, 24 wires, 16 wires for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rdmesh portions respectively 12 wires, 48 wires, 12 wires for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rdmesh portions respectively In any of the above examples, instead of having the same wire count as the first mesh portion 510, the third mesh portion 514 may have wire count that is different from the wire count of the first mesh portion 510.

[0184] In some cases, the first mesh portion 510 and the second mesh portion 512 may have both (1) different braid patterns, and (2) different wire counts.

[0185] For example, the first braid pattern of the first mesh portion 510 may be a half load pattern with 48 wires, the second braid pattern of the second mesh portion 512 may be a full load pattern with 64 wires, and optionally, the third braid pattern of the third mesh portion 514 may be another half load pattern with 48 wires.

[0186] As another example, the first braid pattern of the first mesh portion 510 may be a full load pattern with 40 wires, the second braid pattern of the second mesh portion 512 may be a diamond load pattern with 48 wires, and optionally, the third braid pattern of the third mesh portion 514 may be another full load pattern with 40 wires.

[0187] As another example, the first braid pattern of the first mesh portion 510 may be a full load pattern with 16 wires, the second braid pattern of the second mesh portion 512 may be a diamond load pattern with 24 wires, and optionally, the third braid pattern of the third mesh portion 514 may be another full load pattern with 16 wires.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT

[0188] Also, in some cases, instead of, or in addition to, having different braid patterns for the first and second mesh portions 510, 512 (and optionally, the third mesh portion 514), the stent 500 may also have different materials forming the wires for the different respective mesh portions (e.g., mesh portions 510, 512, and / or 514). For example, the first mesh portion 510 may have a first wire made from a first material, and the second mesh portion 512 may have a second wire made from a second material different from the first material. The first material of the first mesh portion 510 may configure, or may assist in configuring, the first mesh portion 510 to have the first radial expansion stiffness. Alternatively, the first mesh portion 510 may have a first wire made from a first material, and the second mesh portion 512 may have a second wire made from a second material that is the same as the first material. In such cases, the first wire and the second wire may be considered as being made from the same first material. Optionally, the third mesh portion 514 may have a third wire made from a third material. In some cases, the third material of the third wire in the third mesh portion 514 may be the same as the first material of the first wire in the first mesh portion 510. In such cases, the first wire and the third wire may be considered as being made from the same first material. In other cases, the third material of the third wire in the third mesh portion 514 may be different from the first material of the first wire in the first mesh portion 510. Also, in some cases, the third material of the third wire in the third mesh portion 514 may be the same as the second material of the second wire in the first mesh portion 512. In such cases, the second wire and the third wire may be considered as being made from the same second material.

[0189] Also, in some cases, instead of, or in addition to, having different braid patterns for the first and second mesh portions 510, 512 (and optionally, the third mesh portion 514), the stent 500 may also have different wire sizes for the wires of the different respective mesh portions (e.g., mesh portions 510, 512, and / or 514). For example, the first mesh portion 510 may have a first wire having a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second mesh portion 512 may have a second wire having a second cross-sectional dimension that is different from the first cross-sectional dimension. The first cross-sectional dimension of the first wire in the first mesh portion 510 may configure, or may assist in configuring, the first mesh portion 510 to have the first radial expansion stiffness. Alternatively, the first mesh portion 510 may have a first wire having a first cross-sectional dimension, and the secondDocket No.: 23-012 PCTmesh portion 512 may have a second wire having a second cross-sectional dimension that is the same as the first cross-sectional dimension. In such cases, the first cross-sectional dimension of the first wire and the second cross-sectional dimension of the second wire may be considered as having the same first cross-sectional dimension. Optionally, the third mesh portion 514 may have a third wire having a third cross-sectional dimension. In some cases, the third cross-sectional dimension of the third wire in the third mesh portion 514 may be the same as the first cross-sectional dimension of the first wire in the first mesh portion 510. In such cases, the first wire and the third wire may be considered as having the same first cross-sectional dimension. In other cases, the third cross-sectional dimension of the third wire in the third mesh portion 514 may be different from the first cross-sectional dimension of the first wire in the first mesh portion 510. Also, in some cases, the third cross-sectional dimension of the third wire in the third mesh portion 514 may be the same as the second cross-sectional dimension of the second wire in the first mesh portion 512. In such cases, the second wire and the third wire may be considered as having the same second cross-sectional dimension.

[0190] It should be noted that the first mesh portion 510 is not limited to have different braid pattern from that of the second mesh portion 512. In other cases, the first mesh portion 510 and the second mesh portion 512 may have the same braid pattern. In such cases, the first mesh portion 510 may be configured to have the first radial expansion stiffness by constructing the first mesh portion 510 with (1) the first wire count that is different from the second wire count of the second mesh portion 512, (2) first wires made from the first material that is different from the second material of the second wires of the second mesh portion 512, (3) first wires having first cross-sectional dimension that is different from the second cross-sectional dimension of the second wires for the second mesh portion 512, or any combination of two or more of the foregoing.

[0191] FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a mesh body of the stent of FIG. 1, particularly showing the stent having variable mesh portions. As shown in the figure, the stent 500 has a first mesh portion 510, a second mesh portion 512, and a third mesh portion 514. The first mesh portion 510 has a first braid pattern that is a half load pattern, the second mesh portion 512 has a second braid pattern that is a full load pattern, and the third mesh portion 514 has a third braid pattern that is a half load pattern. In the illustrated example, besides the stent 500 having different braidDocket No.: 23-012 PCTpatterns for the different mesh portions (e.g., first mesh portion 510 and second mesh portion 512), the stent 500 also has different wire counts for the different mesh portions. In particular, the first mesh portion 510 has 48 wire count, the second mesh portion 512 has 64 wire count, and the third mesh portion 514 has 48 wire count. In other cases, the third mesh portion 514 may have a third braid pattern that is different from the first braid pattern of the first mesh portion 510. Also, in other cases, the third mesh portion 514 may have a third braid pattern that is different from the first braid pattern of the first mesh portion 510, and that is also different from the second braid pattern of the second mesh portion 512. In further cases, the third mesh portion 514 may have a third braid pattern that is the same as the second braid pattern of the second mesh portion 512.

[0192] FIG. 10 illustrates another example of a mesh body of the stent of FIG. 1, particularly showing the stent having variable mesh portions. As shown in the figure, the stent 500 has a first mesh portion 510, and a second mesh portion 512. The first mesh portion 510 has a first braid pattern that is a half load pattern, the second mesh portion 512 has a second braid pattern that is a full load pattern. In the illustrated example, the first mesh portion 510 and second mesh portion 512 have the same wire count. In particular, the first mesh portion 510 has 64 wire count, and the second mesh portion 512 also has 64 wire count. In other cases, the second mesh portion 512 may have a second braid pattern that is the same as the first braid pattern of the first mesh portion 510. Also, in other cases, the wire count of the first mesh portion 510 may be different from the wire count of the second mesh portion 512.

[0193] FIG. 11 illustrates another example of a mesh body of the stent of FIG. 1, particularly showing the stent having variable mesh portions. As shown in the figure, the stent 500 has a first mesh portion 510, a second mesh portion 512, and a third mesh portion 514. The first mesh portion 510, the second mesh portion 512, and the third mesh portion 514 have the same braid pattern. However, the wire counts for at least two of the mesh portions are different. In particular, the first mesh portion 510 has 48 wire count, the second mesh portion 512 has 64 wire count, and the third mesh portion 514 has 48 wire count. In other cases, the third mesh portion 514 may have a wire count that is different from the wire count of the first mesh portion 510. Also, in other cases, the third mesh portion 514 may have a wire count that is different from the wire count of the first mesh portion 510, and that is also differentDocket No.: 23-012 PCTfrom the wire count of the second mesh portion 512. In further cases, the third mesh portion 514 may have a wire count that is the same as the wire count of the second mesh portion 512.

[0194] In some cases, the braid design features described herein can optimize a performance of an implant in terms of: apposition (e.g., configuring an implant so that its outer dimension or diameter along the entire length of the implant will reach or will extend to a vessel diameter after the implant is deployed), opening rate of the stent (e.g., configuring the implant so that it will expand immediately after it is deployed), fish-mouthing (e.g., configuring an implant to prevent or reduce fish-mouthing discussed with reference to FIGS. 7A-7B), shelfing (e.g., configuring an implant to prevent or reduce shelfing), anchoring, conformability, radial force, porosity I pore density, or two or more of any of the foregoing. In some cases, the implant configuring techniques described herein may be utilized to configure an implant (e.g., the stent 500) to (1) have different stiffness & flexibility profiles along a longitudinal length of the implant, (2) create different pore density sections at different braid portions to achieve desired performance, (3) improve radial force & apposition at implant ends, while maintaining flexibility at the main implant body, (4) reduce or prevent shelf issue at distal end and / or proximal end of the implant, (5) reduce or prevent “fish-mouthing” issue at distal end and / or proximal end of the implant, (6) improve implant opening rate and ease of deployment of the implant, (7) achieve deployed configuration accuracy and conformability with vessel wall across challenging anatomies, (8) enable better anchoring, (9) enable better apposition on distal end and / or proximal end of the implant, or two or more of any of the foregoing.

[0195] Although the stent 500 has been describe as having two or three mesh portions (e.g., mesh portions 510, 512, 514), in other cases, the stent 500 may have more than three mesh portions, such as four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, and ten mesh portions. Also, in other cases, the stent 500 may have more than three mesh portions with more than three different braid patterns, more than three different wire counts, more than three different wire materials, more than three different wire cross-sectional dimensions, or any combination of two or more of the foregoing, for the respective mesh portions.

[0196] Although the above examples are described with reference to a stent, it should be noted that the mesh portions described herein are not limited to those of a stent, and that the mesh portions described herein may be parts of an implant that isDocket No.: 23-012 PCTdifferent from a stent. For example, in some cases, any of the mesh portions 510, 512 (and optionally mesh portion 514) described herein may be a part of a neckbridging device, a framing device, or any of other types of implants.

[0197] FIG. 12A illustrates an example of a neck-bridging device 1200. The neck-bridging device 1200 is an implant configured for placement inside an aneurysm, and for spanning across a neck of the aneurysm. The neck-bridging device 1200 includes a distal end 1202 and a proximal end 1204. The neck-bridging device 1200 has a first mesh portion 1220 and a second mesh portion 1230. The first mesh portion 1220 is closer to the distal end 1202 than to the proximal end 1204. The second mesh portion 1230 is closer to the proximal end 1204 than to the distal end 1202. The first mesh portion 1220 of the neck-bridging device 1200 is configured (e.g., sized and / or shaped) for placement in an aneurysm, and the second mesh portion 1230 of the neck-bridging device 1200 is configured to span across a neck of aneurysm. In the illustrated example, the first mesh portion 1220 has a full load pattern, and the second mesh portion 1230 has a half load pattern. The full load pattern provides the first mesh portion 1220 with more softness compared to the second mesh portion 1230. The half load pattern provides more stiffness for the second mesh portion 1230 compared to the first mesh portion 1220. In the illustrated example, the first mesh portion 1220 and the second mesh portion 1230 have the same wire count - e.g., 128 wires. In other cases, the first and second mesh portions 1220, 1230 may have other wire counts. The wire counts for the respective first and second mesh portions 1220, 1230 may be the same or may be different from each other.

[0198] FIG. 12B illustrates another example of a neck-bridging device 1200. The neck-bridging deice 1200 is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 12A, except that the configuration of the mesh portions 1220, 1230 are different from those described with reference to FIG. 12A. In the illustrated example, the first mesh portion 1220 has a full load pattern, and the second mesh portion 1230 has a full load pattern. Thus, the first mesh portion 1220 and the second mesh portion 1230 have the same braid pattern. However, the first mesh portion 1220 and the second mesh portion 1230 have different respective wire counts. In the illustrated example, the first mesh portion 1220 has 128 wires, and the second mesh portion 1230 has 64 wires. In other cases, the first and second mesh portions 1220, 1230 may have other wire counts. The higher wire count for the first mesh portion 1220 is forDocket No.: 23-012 PCTachieving performance (radial force and apposition) at the distal end, while the lower wire count for the second mesh portion 1230 is for smaller size marker band.

[0199] FIG. 12C illustrates another example of a neck-bridging device 1200. The neck-bridging deice 1200 is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 12A, except that the configuration of the mesh portions 1220, 1230 are different from those described with reference to FIG. 12A. In the illustrated example, the first mesh portion 1220 has a full load pattern, and the second mesh portion 1230 has a half load pattern. In addition to the braid patterns being different, he first mesh portion 1220 and the second mesh portion 1230 also have different respective wire counts. In the illustrated example, the first mesh portion 1220 has 128 wires, and the second mesh portion 1230 has 64 wires. In other cases, the first and second mesh portions 1220, 1230 may have other wire counts that are different from each other. Also, in other cases, the first and second mesh portions 1220, 1230 may have other braid patterns that are different from each other. The 128 wire count with full load for the first mesh portion 1220 is for providing more softness for the first mesh portion 1220 compared to the second mesh portion 1230. The 64 wire count with half load for the second mesh portion 1230 is for providing higher stiffness for the second mesh portion 1230 compared to the first mesh portion 1220. In other cases, instead of the first mesh portion 1220 having a higher wire count compared to the second mesh portion 1230, the second mesh portion 1230 may have a higher wire count compared to the first mesh portion 1220. Also, in other cases, the first mesh portion 1220 may have a half load pattern, and the second mesh portion 1230 may have a full load pattern.

[0200] FIG. 12D illustrates another example of a neck-bridging device. The neckbridging deice 1200 is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 12A, except that the configuration of the mesh portions 1220, 1230 are different from those described with reference to FIG. 12A. In the illustrated example, the first mesh portion 1220 has a full load pattern, and the second mesh portion 1230 also has a full load pattern. Thus, the braid patterns of the first and second mesh portions 1220, 1230 are the same. However, in other cases, the respective braid patterns of the first and second mesh portions 1220, 1230 may be different. The first mesh portion 1220 has 128 wire count, and the second mesh portion 1230 also has 128 wire count. Thus, the respective wire counts for the first and second mesh portions 1220, 1230 are the same. However, in other cases, the respective wire counts forDocket No.: 23-012 PCTthe first and second mesh portions 1220, 1230 may be different. In the illustrated example, the first mesh portion 1220 is made from NiTi20Pt-DFT wires having a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of 23 urn, and the second mesh portion 1230 is made from NiTi40Pt-DFT wires having a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of 20 urn. Thus, the first and second mesh portions 1220, 1230 are made from respective wires having different respective cross-sectional dimensions and different respective material compositions. In other cases, the first mesh portion 1220 and the second mesh portion 1230 may have respective wires made from other materials (such as any of the materials disclosed herein) that are different from NiTi20Pt and NiTi40Pt. The respective wires of the first mesh portion 1220 and the second mesh portion 1230 may be made from the same material, or may be made from different respective materials. Also, in other cases, the first mesh portion 1220 and the second mesh portion 1230 may have respective wires having other cross-sectional dimensions that are different from 23 urn and 20 urn. The respective wires of the first mesh portion 1220 and the second mesh portion 1230 may have the same cross-sectional dimension, or may have different respective cross-sectional dimensions.

[0201] As shown in the examples of FIGS. 12A-12D, the first mesh portion 1220 and the second mesh portion 1230 of the implant 1200 may be configured based on braid patterns, wire counts, wire sizes, materials, or any combination of the foregoing to achieve one or more desirable characteristics. By means of non-limiting examples, the one or more desirable characteristics may be: having softer and stiffer sections for different parts of the implant 1200, variable implant radial force (e.g., lower radial force at distal end compared to the proximal end, while maintaining good conformability, anchoring, and apposition against the aneurysm wall I neck), providing smooth deployment and stability of the implant 1200, having improved shape retention for the implant 1200, allowing the implant 1200 to be stored inside a sheath or hoop, allowing the implant 1200 to fit into smaller size marker band (this in turn will allow smaller size microcatheter to go further distally in the brain (e.g., 0.027 inch, 0.021 inch, 0.017 inch microcatheter inner diameter, or smaller size micro catheter may be utilized with the implant 1200), having desirable stiffness and flexibility profiles for the implant 1200, creating high and low pore density sections across the body of the implant 1200 for optimized product performance, etc.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT

[0202] FIG. 13A illustrates an example of an implant 1400. The implant 1400 is configured for placement inside a vasculature, such as in an aneurysm. In some cases, the implant 1400 may be a vaso-occlusive device configured (e.g., sized and / or shaped) for placement in the aneurysm and for filling at least a part of the volume of the aneurysm. Alternative or additionally, the implant 1400 may be a framing device configured to provide a frame to define an inner volume for containing another implant or for containing a structure extending from the framing device. The implant 1400 has a first mesh portion 1420 and a second mesh portion 1430. The first mesh portion 1420 of the implant 1400 is more flexible than the second mesh portion 1430 of the implant 1400. The first mesh portion 1420 has a higher curvature (lower radius of curvature) compared to the second mesh portion 1430 when the implant 1400 is deployed out of a delivery catheter. In the illustrated example, the first mesh portion 1420 has a full load pattern, and the second mesh portion 1430 has a half load pattern. The full load pattern provides the first mesh portion 1420 with more softness compared to the second mesh portion 1430. The half load pattern provides more stiffness for the second mesh portion 1430 compared to the first mesh portion 1420. In the illustrated example, the first mesh portion 1420 and the second mesh portion 1430 have the same wire count - e.g., 24 wires. In other cases, the first and second mesh portions 1420, 1430 may have other wire counts. The wire counts for the respective first and second mesh portions 1420, 1430 may be the same or may be different from each other.

[0203] FIG. 13B illustrates another example of an implant 1400. The implant 1400 is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 13A, except that the configuration of the mesh portions 1420, 1430 are different from those described with reference to FIG. 13A. In the illustrated example, the first mesh portion 1420 has a full load pattern, and the second mesh portion 1430 has a full load pattern. Thus, the first mesh portion 1420 and the second mesh portion 1430 have the same braid pattern. However, the first mesh portion 1420 and the second mesh portion 1430 have different respective wire counts. In the illustrated example, the first mesh portion 1420 has 16 wires, and the second mesh portion 1430 has 24 wires. In other cases, the first and second mesh portions 1420, 1430 may have other wire counts. The lower wire count for the first mesh portion 1420 is for achieving higher flexibility, better conformability, and higher curvature compared to the second mesh portion 1430. The higher wire count for the second mesh portion 1430 provides moreDocket No.: 23-012 PCTcontact points between wires and higher density, and is for achieving higher stiffness, better load contribution, more bending resistance, and lower curvature compared to the first mesh portion 1420.

[0204] FIG. 13C illustrates another example of an implant 1400. The implant 1400 is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 13A, except that the configuration of the mesh portions 1420, 1430 are different from those described with reference to FIG. 13A. In the illustrated example, the first mesh portion 1420 has a full load pattern, and the second mesh portion 1430 has a half load pattern. In addition to the braid patterns being different, the first mesh portion 1420 and the second mesh portion 1430 also have different respective wire counts. In the illustrated example, the first mesh portion 1420 has 24 wires, and the second mesh portion 1430 has 16 wires. In other cases, the first and second mesh portions 1420, 1430 may have other wire counts that are different from each other. Also, in other cases, the first and second mesh portions 1420, 1430 may have other braid patterns that are different from each other. The 24 wire count with full load for the first mesh portion 1420 is for providing more flexibility (or softness) and higher curvature for the first mesh portion 1420 compared to the second mesh portion 1430. The 16 wire count with half load for the second mesh portion 1430 is for providing higher stiffness and lower curvature for the second mesh portion 1430 compared to the first mesh portion 1420. In other cases, instead of the first mesh portion 1420 having a higher wire count compared to the second mesh portion 1430, the second mesh portion 1430 may have a higher wire count compared to the first mesh portion 1420. Also, in other cases, the first mesh portion 1420 may have a half load pattern, and the second mesh portion 1430 may have a full load pattern.

[0205] FIG. 13D illustrates another example of an implant 1400. The implant 1400 is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 13A, except that the configuration of the mesh portions 1420, 1430 are different from those described with reference to FIG. 13A. In the illustrated example, the first mesh portion 1420 has a full load pattern, and the second mesh portion 1430 also has a full load pattern. Thus, the braid patterns of the first and second mesh portions 1420, 1430 are the same. However, in other cases, the respective braid patterns of the first and second mesh portions 1420, 1430 may be different. The first mesh portion 1420 has 24 wire count, and the second mesh portion 1430 also has 24 wire count. Thus, the respective wire counts for the first and second mesh portions 1420, 1430 are theDocket No.: 23-012 PCTsame. However, in other cases, the respective wire counts for the first and second mesh portions 1420, 1430 may be different. In the illustrated example, the first mesh portion 1420 is made from NiTi40Pt-DFT wires having a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of 25 urn, and the second mesh portion 1430 is made from NiTiSOPt-DFT wires having a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of 28 urn. Thus, the first and second mesh portions 1420, 1430 are made from respective wires having different respective cross-sectional dimensions and different respective material compositions. In other cases, the first mesh portion 1420 and the second mesh portion 1430 may have respective wires made from other materials (such as any of the materials disclosed herein) that are different from NiTi40Pt and NiTi30Pt. The respective wires of the first mesh portion 1420 and the second mesh portion 1430 may be made from the same material, or may be made from different respective materials. Also, in other cases, the first mesh portion 1420 and the second mesh portion 1430 may have respective wires having other cross-sectional dimensions that are different from 25 urn and 28 urn. The respective wires of the first mesh portion 1420 and the second mesh portion 1430 may have the same cross-sectional dimension, or may have different respective cross-sectional dimensions.

[0206] In the examples of FIGS. 13A-13D, the implant 1400 has multiple first mesh portions 1420 and multiple second mesh portions 1430. The first and second mesh portions 1420, 1430 are serially arranged with respect to each other along a longitudinal axis of the implant 1400. As shown in the above figures, the first mesh portion 1420 may be between two second mesh portions 1430. Similarly, the second mesh portion 1430 may be between two first mesh portions 1420. In other cases, the implant 1400 may include only one first mesh portion 1420 and / or only one second mesh portion 1430.

[0207] As shown in the examples of FIGS. 13A-13D, the first mesh portion 1420 and the second mesh portion 1430 of the implant 1400 may be configured based on braid patterns, wire counts, wire sizes, materials, or any combination of the foregoing to achieve one or more desirable characteristics. By means of non-limiting examples, the one or more desirable characteristics may be: having softer and stiffer sections that allow the implant 1400 to turn easier, having breaking zone(s) that allows the implant 1400 to break at specific location(s) during deployment without the need of a secondary shaping process at manufacturing, enhancing stability of the implant 1400 both during deployment and after deployment (long-term), reducingDocket No.: 23-012 PCTfriction to improve push-ability of the implant 1400 during deployment of the implant 1400, providing better neck coverage by the implant 1400 (especially for longer length framing device), changing stiffness and flexibility profiles, creating high and low pore density sections across body of the implant 1400 for optimized product performance, etc.

[0208] In the above example, various exemplary implants have been described as having first and second mesh portions. In other cases, an implant may have a first mesh portion coupled with a coil. FIG. 14 illustrates another example of an implant 1500. The implant 1500 may be a stent, a framing device, a vaso-occlusive device, a neck-bridging device, or any of other types of implants. The implant includes a mesh portion 1520 and a coil 1530. The mesh portion 1520 may be a braid having any of the braid patterns described herein (e.g., half load, full load, diamond load, etc.). The coil 1530 may be a coil made from any number of wires, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 wires, etc. In the specific example shown in the figure, the implant 1500 has 8 wires forming the mesh portion 1520 with a full load, and the coil 1530 is an 8-wire coil. In another example, the mesh portion 1520 may be a full load braid formed by 24 wires, and the mesh portion 1520 may transition to the coil 1530 made from 2 wires. In another example, the mesh portion 1520 may be a 64 wires full load braid that transition to an 8 wires coil 1530.

[0209] The respective wires of the mesh portion 1520 and the coil 1530 may have the same cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) or may have different respective cross-sectional dimensions. For example, the wire of the mesh portion 1520 may be larger in cross-section compared to the wire of the coil 1530, or vice versa. The respective wires of the mesh portion 1520 and the coil 1530 may be made from the same material, or may be made from different respective materials. For example, the wire of the mesh portion 1520 or the wire of the coil 1530 may be made from any of the materials disclosed herein.

[0210] The mesh portion 1520 may be configured to be stiffer and / or to have less curvature compared to the coil 1530. Alternatively, the mesh portion 1520 may be configured to be more flexible and / or to have higher curvature compared to the coil 1530.

[0211] In some cases, the implant 1500 may have multiple mesh portions 1520 and / or multiple coils 1530 that are arranged in series with respect to each otherDocket No.: 23-012 PCTalong a longitudinal axis of the implant 1500. For example, one of the mesh portions 1520 may be between two coils 1530, and / or one of the coils 1530 may be between two mesh portions 1520.

[0212] Also, in some cases, the mesh portion 1520 may have a tubular configuration, and the coil 1530 may also have a tubular configuration. In other cases, the mesh portion 1530 may have a flat configuration, and the coil 1530 may have a tubular configuration. In such cases, one or more wires forming the flat configuration of the mesh portion 1530 transition to form the coil 1530 having the tubular configuration.

[0213] It should be noted that the different configurations for the mesh portions (e.g., mesh portions 510, 512, 514 of the stent (implant) 500, mesh portions 1220, 1230 of implant 1200, mesh portions 1420, 1430 of implant 1400, etc.) should not be limited to the examples above, and that the implant may have other configurations in other cases. In general, the implant may have two or more mesh portions, wherein each of the mesh portions may be configured to have certain mechanical property or properties, such as having certain radial expansion stiffness, radial strength, amount of radial expansion, expansion or opening rate, porosity, anchoring strength, flexibility, conformability with vessel wall, or two or more of any combination of the foregoing. The configuring of a mesh portion may be achieved based on a braid pattern, a wire count, material (with certain material property, such as elastic modulus), wire size of the braid, or two or more of any of the foregoing.

[0214] For example, in other cases, the first mesh portion 510 / 122011420 may have 64 wires forming a full load braid pattern, wherein each wire is 28um in cross-sectional dimension and is made from Fort Wayne Metals (FWM™) 1058 alloy (comprising Cobalt, Chromium, Nickel, and Molybdenum, which constitute a majority of the material percentage by weight) - also known as 1058 CoCr. In such cases, the second mesh portion 5121123011430 may have 64 wires forming a full load braid pattern, wherein each wire is 32um in cross-sectional dimension and is made from 1058 CoCr. The implant may have a third mesh portion (e.g., mesh portion 514) with the same configuration as that of the first mesh portion. Alternatively, the third mesh portion may have a different configuration as that of the first mesh portion.

[0215] As another example, in other cases, the first mesh portion 510 / 12201 1420 may have 64 wires forming a full load braid pattern, wherein each wire is 32umDocket No.: 23-012 PCTin cross-sectional dimension and is made from Pt8W. In such cases, the second mesh portion 512 / 123011430 may have 64 wires forming a full load pattern, wherein each wire is 32um in cross-sectional dimension and is made from Pt12W. The implant may have a third mesh portion with the same configuration as that of the first mesh portion. Alternatively, the third mesh portion may have a different configuration as that of the first mesh portion.

[0216] As a further example, in other cases, the first mesh portion 510 / 12201 1420 may have 40 wires forming a full load braid pattern, wherein each wire is 28um in cross-sectional dimension and is made from ASTM F562 or ASTM F1058 material (e.g., 35N low-Titanium (LT™) alloy or MP35N® alloy, each of which having nickel and chromium that constitute a majority material percentage by weight). In other cases, 32um Pt8W wires may be used to form the mesh portion. In such cases, the second mesh portion 512 / 123011430 may have 64 wires forming a full load pattern, wherein each wire is 32um in cross-sectional dimension and is made from 1058 CoCr - Pt drawn-filled-tube (DFT) (e.g., 72% 1058 CoCr by weight with 28% Pt core). The implant may have a third mesh portion with the same configuration as that of the first mesh portion. Alternatively, the third mesh portion may have a different configuration as that of the first mesh portion.

[0217] As another example, in other cases, the first mesh portion 510 / 12201 1420 may have 64 wires forming a full load braid pattern, wherein each wire is 23um in cross-sectional dimension and is made from NiTi20Pt-DFT. In such cases, the second mesh portion 512 / 123011430 may have 64 wires forming a full load pattern, wherein each wire is 20um in cross-sectional dimension and is made from NiTi20Pt-DFT. The implant may have a third mesh portion with the same configuration as that of the first mesh portion. Alternatively, the third mesh portion may have a different configuration as that of the first mesh portion.

[0218] As another example, in other cases, the first mesh portion 510 / 12201 1420 may have 72 wires forming a full load braid pattern, wherein each wire is 25um in cross-sectional dimension and is made from NiTi20Pt-DFT. In such cases, the second mesh portion 512 / 123011430 may have 72 wires forming a full load pattern, wherein each wire is 23um in cross-sectional dimension and is made from NiTi20Pt-DFT. The implant may have a third mesh portion with the same configuration as that of the first mesh portion. Alternatively, the third mesh portion may have a different configuration as that of the first mesh portion.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT

[0219] As another example, in other cases, the first mesh portion 510 / 12201 1420 may have 24 wires forming a full load braid pattern, wherein each wire is 25um in cross-sectional dimension and is made from NiTi40Pt-DFT. In such cases, the second mesh portion 512 / 123011430 may have 24 wires forming a full load pattern, wherein each wire is 28um in cross-sectional dimension and is made from NiTi40Pt-DFT. The implant may have a third mesh portion with the same configuration as that of the first mesh portion. Alternatively, the third mesh portion may have a different configuration as that of the first mesh portion.

[0220] As another example, in other cases, the first mesh portion 510 / 12201 1420 may have 24 wires forming a full load braid pattern, wherein each wire is 25um in cross-sectional dimension and is made from NiTi40Pt-DFT. In such cases, the second mesh portion 512 / 123011430 may have 24 wires forming a full load pattern, wherein each wire is 25um in cross-sectional dimension and is made from Pt8W. The implant may have a third mesh portion with the same configuration as that of the first mesh portion. Alternatively, the third mesh portion may have a different configuration as that of the first mesh portion.

[0221] As shown above, an implant (e.g., stent, framing device, vaso-occlusive device, neck-bridging device, etc.) can be configured to have different mechanical properties along its length with: different braiding patterns, different wire counts, different wire materials, different outer dimensions of the wires, or any combination of two or more of any of the foregoing. This feature is advantageous because it can enhance or tailor certain mechanical properties on targeted section(s) (such as the distal end section, and / or the proximal end section) of the implant.

[0222] Also, in some cases, each mesh portion (e.g., mesh portion 510 / 5121 514 / 1220112301142011430) may be formed by wires 42 having a same size (e.g., cross-sectional dimension) and material. In other cases, a mesh portion (e.g., mesh portion 510 / 512 / 514 / 1220112301142011430) may be formed by wires 42 having different sizes and / or material compositions.

[0223] In addition, any implant (e.g., stent 500) described herein may be made in different sizes and / or shapes for different applications. For example, in some cases, the stent 500 may be sized for placement in a blood vessel in a brain. Also, in some cases, the stent 500 may have a curvilinear configuration when deployed outside a delivery catheter. In other cases, the stent 500 may have a rectilinear configuration when deployed outside a delivery catheter.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT

[0224] It should be noted that in any of the exemplary implants described herein, the implant may be rolled up when confined within a delivery catheter. For example, any of the mesh portions disclosed herein may have a flat or non-circular cross-sectional shape. In such cases, when the mesh portion of the implant is confined within a lumen of a delivery catheter, the mesh portion may be rolled up (e.g., about a longitudinal axis of the implant and / or of the delivery catheter) so that the cross-sectional dimension of the implant is smaller compared to that when the implant is delivered out of the delivery catheter. When the implant is delivered out of the delivery catheter, the mesh portion of the implant will un-roll (e.g., about the longitudinal axis of the implant and / or of the delivery catheter) to expand to a deployed configuration. When in the deployed configuration, the cross-sectional dimension of the mesh portion of the implant will be larger than the cross-sectional dimension of the rolled-up mesh portion when the implant is inside the delivery catheter. In some cases, the cross-sectional dimension of the mesh portion in the deployed configuration may be at least: 1.5 times, 2 times, 3 times, 4 times, 5 times, 6 times, 7 times, 8 times, 9 times, or 10 times of the cross-sectional dimension of the mesh portion in the configured configuration when inside the delivery catheter.

[0225] In other cases, the mesh portion(s) of the implant may be confined inside the delivery catheter using other techniques. For example, in other cases, the mesh portion(s) of the implant may be folded when confined inside the delivery catheter. In further examples, any of the mesh portions disclosed herein may have a tubular configuration. In such cases, when confined within the delivery catheter, the tubular mesh portion(s) may radially collapse towards the longitudinal axis of the implant to form a confined or collapsed configuration. When the implant is delivered out of the delivery catheter, the tubular mesh portion(s) may radially expand to form a deployed configuration.

[0226] Although particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the claimed inventions to the preferred embodiments, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without department from the spirit and scope of the claimed inventions. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The claimed inventions are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

Claims

Docket No.: 23-012 PCTCLAIMS1. An implant, comprising:a mesh body configured for implantation in a body;wherein the mesh body comprises a first mesh portion and a second mesh portion, wherein the first mesh portion of the mesh body is closer to a distal end of the implant than to a proximal end of the implant; andwherein the first mesh portion that is closer to the distal end of the implant than to the proximal end of the implant has a first stiffness, wherein the second mesh portion has a stiffness, and wherein the first stiffness of the first mesh portion is different from the second stiffness of the second mesh portion.

2. The implant of claim 1, wherein the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, the second mesh portion has a second braid pattern, and wherein the second braid pattern is different from the first braid pattern.

3. The implant of claim 2, wherein the mesh body has a third mesh portion, wherein the third mesh portion has a third braid pattern, and wherein the second braid pattern is different from the third braid pattern.

4. The implant of claim 3, wherein the first braid pattern comprises a half load pattern, the second braid pattern comprises a full load pattern, and the third braid pattern comprises another diamond load pattern.

5. The implant of claim 3, wherein the first braid pattern comprises a diamond load pattern, the second braid pattern comprises a full load pattern, and the third braid pattern comprises another half load pattern.

6. The implant of claim 2, wherein the first braid pattern comprises one of: 1 over 2 under 2, 2 over 2 under 2, 1 over 1 under 1 , 1 over 3 under 3, 3 over 3 under 3, 1 over 4 under 4, or 4 over 4 under 4;and wherein the second braid pattern comprises another one of: 1 over 2 under 2, 2 over 2 under 2, 1 over 1 under 1 , 1 over 3 under 3, 3 over 3 under 3, 1 over 4 under 4, or 4 over 4 under 4.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT7. The implant of claim 2, wherein the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count, and wherein the first wire count is equal to the second wire count.

8. The implant of claim 2, wherein the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count, and wherein the first wire count is different from the second wire count.

9. The implant of claim 2, wherein the first mesh portion comprises a first wire made from a first material, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire made from the first material.

10. The implant of claim 2, wherein the first mesh portion comprises a first wire made from a first material, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire made from a second material different from the first material.

11. The implant of claim 2, wherein the first mesh portion comprises a first wire having a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire having a second cross-sectional dimension that is the same as the first cross-sectional dimension.

12. The implant of claim 2, wherein the first mesh portion comprises a first wire having a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire having a second cross-sectional dimension that is different from the first cross-sectional dimension.

13. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the first mesh portion has a first wire count, the second mesh portion has a second wire count, and wherein the second wire count is different from the first wire count.

14. The implant of claim 13, wherein the mesh body has a third mesh portion, wherein the third mesh portion has a third wire count, and wherein the second wire count is different from the third wire count.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT15. The implant of claim 14, wherein the first wire count is different from the third wire count.

16. The implant of claim 13, wherein the first wire count comprises one of: 32 wires, 40 wires, 48 wires, or 64 wires;and wherein the second wire count comprises another one of: 32 wires, 40 wires, 48 wires, or 64 wires.

17. The implant of claim 13, wherein the first mesh portion comprises a first wire made from a first material, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire made from a second material different from the first material.

18. The implant of claim 17, wherein the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the second material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is the same as the first cross-sectional dimension.

19. The implant of claim 17, wherein the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the second material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is different from the first cross-sectional dimension.

20. The implant of claim 13, wherein the first mesh portion comprises a first wire made from a first material, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire made from the first material.

21. The implant of claim 20, wherein the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the first material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is the same as the first cross-sectional dimension.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT22. The implant of claim 20, wherein the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the first material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is different from the first cross-sectional dimension.

23. The implant of claim 13, wherein the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid patter that is the same as the first braid pattern.

24. The implant of claim 13, wherein the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid patter that is different from the first braid pattern.

25. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the first mesh portion comprises a first wire made from a first material, the second mesh portion comprises a second wire made from a second material that is different from the first material.

26. The implant of claim 25, wherein the third mesh portion comprises a third wire made from a third material, and wherein the second material is different from the third material.

27. The implant of claim 26, wherein the first material is different from the third material.

28. The implant of claim 25, wherein the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the second material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is the same as the first cross-sectional dimension.

29. The implant of claim 25, wherein the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the second material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is different from the first cross-sectional dimension.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT30. The implant of claim 25, wherein the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count that is the same as the first wire count.

31. The implant of claim 25, wherein the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count that is different from the first wire count.

32. The implant of claim 25, wherein the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid pattern that is the same as the first braid pattern.

33. The implant of claim 25, wherein the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid pattern that is different from the first braid pattern.

34. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the first mesh portion comprises a first wire having a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire having a second cross-sectional dimension that is different from the first cross-sectional dimension.

35. The implant of claim 34, wherein the first wire of the first mesh portion is made from a first material, and the second wire of the second mesh portion is made from the first material.

36. The implant of claim 34, wherein the first wire of the first mesh portion is made from a first material, and the second wire of the second mesh portion is made from a second material that is different from the first material.

37. The implant of claim 34, wherein the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count that is the same as the first wire count.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT38. The implant of claim 34, wherein the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count that is different from the first wire count.

39. The implant of claim 34, wherein the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid pattern that is the same as the first braid pattern.

40. The implant of claim 34, wherein the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid pattern that is different from the first braid pattern.

41. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the implant is a stent.

42. The implant of claim 41 , wherein the stent has a cross-sectional dimension that is anywhere from 1 mm to 15 mm.

43. The implant of claim 41 , wherein the stent has a longitudinal length that is anywhere from 6 mm to 100 mm.

44. The implant of claim 41 , wherein the mesh body comprises a wire having a cross-sectional dimension that is anywhere from 9 urn to 120 urn.

45. The implant of claim 41 , wherein an entirety of the stent has a longitudinal length, and wherein the first mesh portion of the mesh body is less than 30% of the longitudinal length of the stent.

46. The implant of claim 41 , wherein an entirety of the stent has a longitudinal length, and wherein the first mesh portion of the mesh body is at least 5% of the longitudinal length of the stent.

47. The implant of claim 41 , wherein the mesh body has a third mesh portion, wherein an entirety of the stent has a longitudinal length, and wherein the third mesh portion of the mesh body is less than 30% of the longitudinal length of the stent.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT48. The implant of claim 41 , wherein the mesh body has a third mesh portion, wherein an entirety of the stent has a longitudinal length, and wherein the third mesh portion of the mesh body is at least 5% of the longitudinal length of the stent.

49. The implant of claim 41 , wherein the distal end of the stent has a distal stent opening, and wherein a radial expansion stiffness of the first mesh portion is configured to prevent, or reduce a risk of, the distal stent opening narrowing or collapsing after the stent is delivered into the body.

50. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the implant is a framing device.

51. The implant of claim 50, wherein the framing device is configured for placement in an aneurysm.

52. The implant of claim 51, wherein the framing device comprises an elongated member, the elongated member being the mesh body, and wherein the first mesh portion and the second mesh portion are serially arranged along a longitudinal axis of the elongated member.

53. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the implant is a vaso-occlusive device.

54. The implant of claim 53, wherein the vaso-occlusive device is configured for placement in an aneurysm.

55. The implant of claim 54, wherein the vaso-occlusive device comprises an elongated member, the elongated member being the mesh body, and wherein the first mesh portion and the second mesh portion are serially arranged along a longitudinal axis of the elongated member.

56. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the implant is a neck-bridging device.

57. The implant of claim 56, wherein the neck-bridging device comprises a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the proximal portion is configured for placement across a neck of an aneurysm.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT58. The implant of claim 57, wherein the distal portion comprises the first mesh portion, and the proximal portion comprises the second mesh portion.

59. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the mesh body comprises a wire made from CoCr, NiTi, PtW, AuPt, MoRe, Ta, DFT- CoCrPt, or NiTiPt.

60. The implant of claim 1 , wherein the mesh body comprises a wire that is a drawn-filled-tube.

61. A stent, comprising:a mesh body configured for implantation in a body;wherein the mesh body comprises a first mesh portion, a second mesh portion, and a third mesh portion, wherein the first mesh portion of the mesh body is closer to a distal end of the stent than to a proximal end of the stent, wherein the third mesh portion is closer to the proximal end of the stent than to the distal end of the stent, and wherein the second mesh portion is between the first mesh portion and the third mesh portion; andwherein the first mesh portion that is closer to the distal end of the stent than to the proximal end of the stent has a first radial expansion stiffness, wherein the second mesh portion has a second radial expansion stiffness, and wherein the first radial expansion stiffness of the first mesh portion is larger than or equal to the second radial expansion stiffness of the second mesh portion.

62. The stent of claim 61 , wherein the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, the second mesh portion has a second braid pattern, and wherein the second braid pattern is different from the first braid pattern.

63. The stent of claim 62, wherein the third mesh portion has a third braid pattern, and wherein the second braid pattern is different from the third braid pattern.

64. The stent of claim 63, wherein the first braid pattern comprises a half load pattern, the second braid pattern comprises a full load pattern, and the third braid pattern comprises another diamond load pattern.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT65. The stent of claim 63, wherein the first braid pattern comprises a diamond load pattern, the second braid pattern comprises a full load pattern, and the third braid pattern comprises another half load pattern.

66. The stent of claim 62, wherein the first braid pattern comprises one of: 1 over 2 under 2, 2 over 2 under 2, 1 over 1 under 1 , 1 over 3 under 3, 3 over 3 under 3, 1 over 4 under 4, or 4 over 4 under 4;and wherein the second braid pattern comprises another one of: 1 over 2 under 2, 2 over 2 under 2, 1 over 1 under 1 , 1 over 3 under 3, 3 over 3 under 3, 1 over 4 under 4, or 4 over 4 under 4.

67. The stent of claim 62, wherein the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count, and wherein the first wire count is equal to the second wire count.

68. The stent of claim 62, wherein the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count, and wherein the first wire count is different from the second wire count.

69. The stent of claim 62, wherein the first mesh portion comprises a first wire made from a first material, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire made from the first material.

70. The stent of claim 62, wherein the first mesh portion comprises a first wire made from a first material, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire made from a second material different from the first material.

71. The stent of claim 62, wherein the first mesh portion comprises a first wire having a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire having a second cross-sectional dimension that is the same as the first cross-sectional dimension.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT72. The stent of claim 62, wherein the first mesh portion comprises a first wire having a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire having a second cross-sectional dimension that is different from the first cross-sectional dimension.

73. The stent of claim 61 , wherein the first mesh portion has a first wire count, the second mesh portion has a second wire count, and wherein the second wire count is different from the first wire count.

74. The stent of claim 73, wherein the third mesh portion has a third wire count, and wherein the second wire count is different from the third wire count.

75. The stent of claim 74, wherein the first wire count is different from the third wire count.

76. The stent of claim 73, wherein the first wire count comprises one of: 32 wires, 40 wires, 48 wires, or 64 wires;and wherein the second wire count comprises another one of: 32 wires, 40 wires, 48 wires, or 64 wires.

77. The stent of claim 73, wherein the first mesh portion comprises a first wire made from a first material, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire made from a second material different from the first material.

78. The stent of claim 77, wherein the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the second material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is the same as the first cross-sectional dimension.

79. The stent of claim 77, wherein the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the second material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is different from the first cross-sectional dimension.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT80. The stent of claim 73, wherein the first mesh portion comprises a first wire made from a first material, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire made from the first material.

81. The stent of claim 80, wherein the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the first material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is the same as the first cross-sectional dimension.

82. The stent of claim 80, wherein the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the first material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is different from the first cross-sectional dimension.

83. The stent of claim 73, wherein the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid patter that is the same as the first braid pattern.

84. The stent of claim 73, wherein the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid patter that is different from the first braid pattern.

85. The stent of claim 61 , wherein the first mesh portion comprises a first wire made from a first material, the second mesh portion comprises a second wire made from a second material that is different from the first material.

86. The stent of claim 85, wherein the third mesh portion comprises a third wire made from a third material, and wherein the second material is different from the third material.

87. The stent of claim 86, wherein the first material is different from the third material.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT88. The stent of claim 85, wherein the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the second material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is the same as the first cross-sectional dimension.

89. The stent of claim 85, wherein the first wire made from the first material has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second wire made from the second material has a second cross-sectional dimension that is different from the first cross-sectional dimension.

90. The stent of claim 85, wherein the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count that is the same as the first wire count.

91. The stent of claim 85, wherein the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count that is different from the first wire count.

92. The stent of claim 85, wherein the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid pattern that is the same as the first braid pattern.

93. The stent of claim 85, wherein the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid pattern that is different from the first braid pattern.

94. The stent of claim 61 , wherein the first mesh portion comprises a first wire having a first cross-sectional dimension, and the second mesh portion comprises a second wire having a second cross-sectional dimension that is different from the first cross-sectional dimension.

95. The stent of claim 94, wherein the first wire of the first mesh portion is made from a first material, and the second wire of the second mesh portion is made from the first material.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT96. The stent of claim 94, wherein the first wire of the first mesh portion is made from a first material, and the second wire of the second mesh portion is made from a second material that is different from the first material.

97. The stent of claim 94, wherein the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count that is the same as the first wire count.

98. The stent of claim 94, wherein the first mesh portion has a first wire count, and the second mesh portion has a second wire count that is different from the first wire count.

99. The stent of claim 94, wherein the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid pattern that is the same as the first braid pattern.

100. The stent of claim 94, wherein the first mesh portion has a first braid pattern, and the second mesh portion has a second braid pattern that is different from the first braid pattern.

101. The stent of claim 61, wherein the stent has a cross-sectional dimension that is anywhere from 1 mm to 15 mm.

102. The stent of claim 61 , wherein the stent has a longitudinal length that is anywhere from 6 mm to 100 mm.

103. The stent of claim 61, wherein the mesh body comprises a wire having a cross-sectional dimension that is anywhere from 9 urn to 120 urn.

104. The stent of claim 61, wherein the mesh body comprises a wire made from CoCr, NiTi, PtW, AuPt, MoRe, Ta, DFT- CoCrPt, or NiTiPt.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT105. The stent of claim 61, wherein an entirety of the stent has a longitudinal length, and wherein the first mesh portion of the mesh body is less than 30% of the longitudinal length of the stent.

106. The stent of claim 61, wherein an entirety of the stent has a longitudinal length, and wherein the first mesh portion of the mesh body is at least 5% of the longitudinal length of the stent.

107. The stent of claim 61, wherein an entirety of the stent has a longitudinal length, and wherein the third mesh portion of the mesh body is less than 30% of the longitudinal length of the stent.

108. The stent of claim 61, wherein an entirety of the stent has a longitudinal length, and wherein the third mesh portion of the mesh body is at least 5% of the longitudinal length of the stent.

109. The stent of claim 61, wherein the distal end of the stent has a distal stent opening, and wherein the first radial expansion stiffness of the first mesh portion is configured to prevent, or reduce a risk of, the distal stent opening narrowing or collapsing after the stent is delivered into the body.

110. An implant comprising:a mesh portion; anda coil;wherein the mesh portion transitions to the coil, and wherein the implant comprises one or more wires forming both the mesh portion and the coil.

111. The implant of claim 110, wherein the mesh portion has a first tubular configuration, and wherein the coil has a second tubular configuration.

112. The implant of claim 110, wherein the mesh portion has a flat configuration, and the coil has a tubular configuration.Docket No.: 23-012 PCT113. The implant of claim 110, wherein the mesh portion has a first stiffness, and wherein the coil has a second stiffness that is different from the first stiffness.

114. The implant of claim 110, wherein the implant is a stent.

115. The implant of claim 110, wherein the implant is a framing device.

116. The implant of claim 110, wherein the implant is a vaso-occlusive device.

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