Intralumenally-implantable frames
View Patent ↗Implantable frames for use in body passages are provided herein. The implantable frames can include a plurality of hoop members joined by a plurality of longitudinal connecting members to form a tubular frame defining a cylindrical lumen. The plurality of longitudinal connecting members may include first and second longitudinal connecting members joining a first hoop member to a second hoop member such that the first and second longitudinal connecting members extend across an entire space separating the first and second hoop members.
1. An implantable frame defining a lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal end along a longitudinal axis, the implantable frame moveable between a compressed state and an expanded state and comprising:
a proximal hoop member;
a distal hoop member;
each hoop member comprising a plurality of interconnected struts and bends arranged in an undulating shape;
a closely-spaced pair of longitudinal connecting members connecting the proximal hoop member to the distal hoop member, the closely-spaced pair of longitudinal connecting members comprising a first longitudinal connecting member and a second longitudinal connecting member; and
a structural member extending from the first longitudinal connecting member to the second longitudinal connecting member.
2. The implantable frame of claim 1 , wherein the structural member comprises a circumferential reinforcing member.
3. The implantable frame of claim 1 , further comprising a second structural member extending from the first longitudinal connecting member to the second longitudinal connecting member.
4. The implantable frame of claim 3 , wherein the second structural member comprises a circumferential reinforcing member.
5. The implantable frame of claim 3 , wherein each of the first and second structural members comprises a circumferential reinforcing member.
6. The implantable frame of claim 5 , wherein the circumferential reinforcing members are parallel to each other.
7. The implantable frame of claim 1 , further comprising a longitudinal attachment member disposed between the first and second longitudinal connecting members.
8. The implantable frame of claim 1 , wherein the first closely-spaced pair of longitudinal connecting members extends from a first bend of a first hoop member toward a first bend of a second hoop member.
9. The implantable frame of claim 1 , further comprising a radiopaque marker.
10. The implantable frame of claim 9 , wherein the radiopaque marker is attached to a bridging member extending between first and second struts of a hoop member.
11. The implantable frame of claim 1 , wherein the implantable frame is self-expandable.
12. The implantable frame of claim 1 , wherein the implantable frame requires mechanical expansion to move from the compressed state to the expanded state.
13. The implantable frame of claim 1 , wherein the implantable frame comprises stainless steel.
14. The implantable frame of claim 1 , wherein the implantable frame comprises a shape memory alloy.
15. The implantable frame of claim 14 , wherein the shape memory alloy comprises a Nickel-Titanium alloy.
16. The implantable frame of claim 1 , wherein the implantable frame comprises a polymer.
17. The implantable frame of claim 1 , wherein the implantable frame comprises a bioabsorbable polymer.
18. The implantable frame of claim 1 , wherein the implantable frame includes a bioactive agent.
19. An implantable frame defining a lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal end along a longitudinal axis, the implantable frame moveable between a compressed state and an expanded state and comprising:
a proximal hoop member;
a distal hoop member;
each hoop member comprising a plurality of interconnected struts and bends arranged in an undulating shape;
a closely-spaced pair of longitudinal connecting members connecting the proximal hoop member to the distal hoop member, the closely-spaced pair of longitudinal connecting members comprising a first longitudinal connecting member and a second longitudinal connecting member;
a first structural member extending from the first longitudinal connecting member to the second longitudinal connecting member; and
a second structural member extending from the first longitudinal connecting member to the second longitudinal connecting member;
wherein the implantable frame is self-expandable.
20. An implantable frame defining a lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal end along a longitudinal axis, the implantable frame moveable between a compressed state and an expanded state and comprising:
a proximal hoop member;
a distal hoop member;
each hoop member comprising a plurality of interconnected struts and bends arranged in an undulating shape;
a closely-spaced pair of longitudinal connecting members connecting the proximal hoop member to the distal hoop member, the closely-spaced pair of longitudinal connecting members comprising a first longitudinal connecting member and a second longitudinal connecting member;
a first circumferential reinforcing member extending from the first longitudinal connecting member to the second longitudinal connecting member; and
a second circumferential reinforcing member extending from the first longitudinal connecting member to the second longitudinal connecting member;
wherein the circumferential reinforcing members are parallel to each other; and
wherein the implantable frame is self-expandable.