IP Library Granted Patent US 6,972,031
Granted Patent B1
US 6,972,031 · App. 10/037,817 · Granted Dec 6, 2005

Exterior stent and its use

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 6,972,031
App. No.
10/037,817
Granted
Dec 6, 2005
Kind
B1
Abstract

A stent apparatus and its use is provided comprising a substantially tubular member with an inside surface and an outside surface; and a securing element for securing the tubular member to the exterior of a body lumen. The method for implanting the stent to the exterior of a body lumen comprises providing for an exterior stent, inserting the stent around a desired location on the exterior of the lumen, and providing for controlled expansion of the lumen such that it contacts the stent sufficiently to secure it to the lumen.

Claims (47)

1. A method of supporting a body lumen comprising the steps of:

a) providing a stent having an interior layer and an exterior layer, said interior layer having a securing means thereon;

b) placing said stent around the exterior of a body lumen;

c) expanding said lumen into contact with said securing means, thereby securing the lumen to the securing means.

2. A method of supporting a body lumen comprising the steps of:

a) providing a stent having an interior layer and an exterior layer, said interior layer having a securing means thereon;

b) placing said stent around the exterior of a body lumen;

c) contacting the interior layer of said stent to said lumen, thereby securing the lumen to the securing means.

3. A method of support as in claim 1 or 2 wherein:

the sent covers less than the total circumference of the lumen.

4. A method of support as in claim 1 or 2 wherein:

the stent comprises a biologically inert material.

5. A method of support as in claim 4 wherein:

the stent further comprises a shape-memory material.

6. A method of support as in claim 1 or 2 wherein:

the stent comprises a biologically active material.

7. A method of support as in claim 1 or 2 wherein:

the stent comprises resorbable material.

8. A method of support as in claim 1 or 2 wherein:

the stent comprises a radioactive element for delivering radiation directly to the lumen.

9. A method as in claim 1 or 2 wherein:

the stent is porous.

10. A method of support as in claim 1 or 2 wherein:

the stent is a single unified member.

11. A method of support as in claim 1 or 2 wherein:

the stent comprises at least two members flexibly joined together.

12. A method of support as in claim 1 or 2 wherein:

the stent is bifurcated.

13. A method of support as in claim 1 or 2 wherein:

the stent is further secured by a barb.

14. A method of support as in claim 1 or 2 wherein:

the stent is secured by a hook.

15. A method of support as in claim 1 or 2 wherein:

the stent is secured by an adhesive.

16. A method of support as in claim 1 or 2 wherein:

the stent comprises a braided material.

17. A method of support as in claim 1 or 2 wherein;

the support is substantially composed of resorbable material.

18. A method of support as in claim 1 or 2 wherein:

the stent is further secured by sutures.

19. A method of support as in claim 1 or 2 further comprising the step of:

locking the stent onto the lumen to prevent it from slipping.

20. A method of support as in claim 1 or 2 further comprising:

applying a reinforcing layer for strengthening the stent.

21. The method of claim 2 wherein said step of contacting the interior layer of said stent to said lumen comprises ratcheting said stent.

22. The method of claim 2 wherein said step of contacting the interior layer of said stent to said lumen further comprises compressing said stent into said lumen.

23. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of expanding said lumen into contact with said securing means further comprises dilating said lumen with a balloon device.