WO2000016718A1 - Tubular endoprosthesis - Google Patents

Tubular endoprosthesis Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000016718A1
WO2000016718A1 PCT/DE1999/002980 DE9902980W WO0016718A1 WO 2000016718 A1 WO2000016718 A1 WO 2000016718A1 DE 9902980 W DE9902980 W DE 9902980W WO 0016718 A1 WO0016718 A1 WO 0016718A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
prosthesis
band
webs
prosthesis according
axial direction
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/DE1999/002980
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Thomas Schmitz-Rode
Original Assignee
Schmitz Rode Thomas
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Schmitz Rode Thomas filed Critical Schmitz Rode Thomas
Priority to DE19981854T priority Critical patent/DE19981854D2/en
Priority to EP99955729A priority patent/EP1117353A1/en
Priority to AU12605/00A priority patent/AU1260500A/en
Publication of WO2000016718A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000016718A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/82—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/86—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
    • A61F2/90—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
    • A61F2/91—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes
    • A61F2/915—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/82—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/86—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
    • A61F2/90—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
    • A61F2/91—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/82—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/86—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
    • A61F2/88—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure the wire-like elements formed as helical or spiral coils
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/82—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/86—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
    • A61F2/90—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
    • A61F2/91—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes
    • A61F2/915—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
    • A61F2002/91508—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other the meander having a difference in amplitude along the band
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/82—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/86—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
    • A61F2/90—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
    • A61F2/91—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes
    • A61F2/915—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
    • A61F2002/91525—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other within the whole structure different bands showing different meander characteristics, e.g. frequency or amplitude
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/82—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/86—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
    • A61F2/90—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
    • A61F2/91—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes
    • A61F2/915—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
    • A61F2002/91533—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other characterised by the phase between adjacent bands
    • A61F2002/91541—Adjacent bands are arranged out of phase
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/82—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/86—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
    • A61F2/90—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
    • A61F2/91—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes
    • A61F2/915—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
    • A61F2002/9155—Adjacent bands being connected to each other
    • A61F2002/91558—Adjacent bands being connected to each other connected peak to peak

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a tubular endoprosthesis for implantation in a hollow organ of the human or animal body, an outer circumferential surface of the prosthesis being formed by a helically wound band.
  • a helically wound band which consists of links arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the belt and connected to one another, which can be extended in the longitudinal direction of the belt with a change in shape.
  • Such an endoprosthesis is known for example from WO 98/38945.
  • medical technology usage such are usually made of metal
  • Endoprostheses are also referred to as so-called “stents”. These serve to treat constrictions in hollow organs and, after being pushed to the implantation site, usually using an inflatable balloon catheter, are expanded in order to adhere to the wall of the hollow organ to be shone or to support it Alternatively, the prosthesis can be made from a special nickel-titanium alloy (so-called “memory metal”) for expansion by means of a balloon catheter. With the help of a heat treatment it is achieved that the stent expands on its own when heated from the ambient to the body temperature after leaving the insertion catheter.
  • the individual members have the shape of a V or two trapezoids which are inclined in the opposite direction with their base sides abutting one another.
  • the border of the individual member, which is open per se, is formed in each case by two narrow V-shaped rod elements, the ends of which are connected to one another via webs running in the axial direction of the stent.
  • the helically wound tape here consists of three individual tapes arranged parallel to one another, each of which is kept at a distance from one another by cross webs which are aligned with one another.
  • the overlap in the case of an axial curvature is to be regarded as a disadvantage here, as is the lack of radial extensibility.
  • Stent constructions without a helical structure are known for example from EP 0 221 570 B1 and EP 0 335 341 B1.
  • a stent is described, the lateral surface of which is constructed from longitudinal strips running in the axial direction and straight through and perpendicularly between adjacent longitudinal strips running in the circumferential direction between adjacent longitudinal strips.
  • the webs on opposite sides of a longitudinal strip are offset from one another by half the distance.
  • the rectangular openings formed by two longitudinal strips and two webs are deformed in a diamond shape in the expanded state of the stent, as a result of which an axial
  • the stent construction disclosed in EP 0 335 341 B1 is characterized by a series of cylindrical individual elements which extend obliquely to the longitudinal axis Connecting webs are coupled together.
  • the individual elements can be expanded radially, as a result of which rectangular openings are converted into a diamond shape with simultaneous axial shortening of the stent. Due to the special web connection of the cylindrical individual segments, a curvature in the axial direction is essentially only possible in the connection areas between the individual segments.
  • This known stent cannot adapt to a surface shape of the hollow organs with a curvature smaller than the axial length of an individual section.
  • the invention has for its object to propose a tubular endoprosthesis for implantation in a hollow organ of the human or animal body, which can be expanded easily enough in the radial direction, which has sufficient flexibility in the axial direction also for adaptation to smaller radii of curvature and in the case a greater curvature in the axial direction in these curved areas has a sufficiently large coverage, that is, support of the surrounding body tissue.
  • helix shape as the basic form of the prosthesis design according to the invention has very good flexibility with regard to curvatures in the axial direction of the endoprosthesis, this flexibility is hardly influenced negatively by the webs between adjacent band sections, since the webs allow adjacent band sections to be removed in the axial direction of the prosthesis.
  • the webs provide increased coverage, which leads to improved support of the surrounding body tissue.
  • a stent according to the invention is particularly suitable for curved blood vessel sections or other curved hollow organs such as the biliary system.
  • the limbs are elongated in the longitudinal direction of the prosthesis and each have a slot-shaped opening.
  • a shape permits simple radial expansion of the stent, the openings changing their shape from a slot to a rhombus or a rhombus when the band is elongated. In this way, a large increase in length can be achieved in the longitudinal direction of the band, which ensures a large radial extensibility.
  • the links and the openings are flat-oval. This also avoids sharp corners or edges, so that there is no risk of damage to the body tissue.
  • the invention in a further embodiment provides that the links are connected via webs which extend centrally from the long sides of the links.
  • a tubular endoprosthesis for implantation in a hollow organ of the human or animal body an outer lateral surface of the prosthesis being formed by a helically wound band, which in turn is formed by a meandering band in the plane of the band extending band is formed, in the axial direction of the prosthesis adjacent band sections are connected to one another by webs, which allow removal of adjacent band sections in the axial direction of the prosthesis.
  • the property of the extensibility of the helical tape in this variant is ensured by a meandering course of a smaller tape.
  • the meandering course causes the meanders to have a steeper course in the event of a tensile stress due to a radial expansion of the stent and thus cause an elongation of the band.
  • a good axial curvature of the endoprosthesis according to the invention is also achieved here in that the webs between adjacent turns are designed such that these turns can be removed from one another in the axial direction.
  • the webs preferably have an S-shaped and / or Z-shaped course when viewed from above on the lateral surface of the prosthesis.
  • At least one end section of the end of the prosthesis starting from the last complete link or the last complete meandering loop, has a plurality of turns which shorten in length in accordance with the pitch of the helix.
  • the windings are connected to the links or meanders of the band section adjacent in the axial direction via transverse webs.
  • the prosthesis from a full-surface starting body by removing the material located between the webs and limbs or meandering is made.
  • This material removal can advantageously be carried out with the aid of a computer-controlled laser cutting device.
  • Either the starting body for the production of the endoprosthesis can be tubular, or alternatively it can also be plate-shaped in order to be wound into a tube after the openings have been made and fixed in this form.
  • the endoprosthesis according to the invention expediently consists of metal, which, depending on the application, can also be a so-called “memory metal alloy”.
  • Figure 1 is a development of the jacket of an endoprosthesis, constructed from a helical coil consisting of individual members
  • Figure 2 as Figure 1, but with a helically wound band, which is formed by a meandering band.
  • the endoprosthesis 1 shown in a development in FIG. 1 consists of five band sections A of a band 2, each forming a turn, axially one behind the other. In the cylinder-wound state of the sheath, its first long side 3 abuts the opposite second long side 4.
  • the endoprosthesis 1 can both be made from a plate-shaped starting material, preferably sheet metal, or from a cylindrical starting body, in each case by producing the openings.
  • the helically wound band 2 consists of links 5 which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the band 2 and which are connected to one another.
  • the links 5 are elongated and oval in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the endoprosthesis 1 and each have a flat-oval opening 6.
  • Links 5 adjacent in the longitudinal direction of the band 2 are each connected to one another by means of a web 7, which extend centrally from the longitudinal sides 8 of the links 5. These webs 7 merge into the longitudinal sides 8 and have a width which is slightly larger than the width of the strips 9 forming the links.
  • the members 5 are deformed as a result of the tensile stress in the longitudinal direction of the band 2 and enclose a diamond-shaped opening in the stretched state.
  • This radial expansion of the endoprosthesis 1 is accompanied by a certain axial shortening.
  • a connection of adjacent band sections A is done with the help of webs 10, which have a Z- or S-shaped shape. These webs 10 connect such links to one another which, viewed in the circumferential direction, are arranged offset from one another by a link 5. As a result, the webs 10 run at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the endoprosthesis 1, which enables the links 5 of adjacent band sections A to be removed. This creates a very high degree of flexibility of the endoprosthesis 1 with respect to curvatures in the axial direction.
  • the webs 10 connected to every fourth link 5 in the longitudinal direction of the band increase the coverage, that is to say, improve the support of the body tissue in the expanded state of the endoprosthesis 1.
  • both end sections 11 of the endoprosthesis 1 are, starting from the last complete member 5, with several in their length corresponding to the slope of the helix shortening turns 12 provided. These windings 12 are connected via crossbars 13 to the links 5 of the band section A adjacent in the axial direction. The connection of the last turn 12 to the last complete link 5 takes place in the middle of the long side 8 of this link 5. The turn 12 with the smallest axial width finally connects laterally to a link 5 like a connecting web 13.
  • the width of both the turns 12 and the Z-shaped or S-shaped webs 10 is less than the width of the strips 9 forming the links 5. This can ensure greater flexibility in these zones, which may be subject to greater deformation.
  • FIG. 2 shows an alternative design of an endoprosthesis 1 ', in which the band 2' does not consist of individual members coupled to one another, but is formed by a narrow band 14 which runs in a meandering manner in the plane of the band 2 '.
  • An elongation of the band 2 'and thus a radial expansion of the endoprosthesis 1' takes place in this case by widening the meander loops while simultaneously axially shortening them by a certain amount.
  • connection of adjacent strip sections A takes place via webs 10 in an analogous manner to that in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1.

Abstract

A tubular endoprosthesis (1) is provided for implantation in a hollow organ of a human or animal body. An outer cover surface of said prosthesis (1) is formed by a strip (2) which is wound in the form of a helix (2). The strip consists of members (5) which are located one behind the other and interconnected in its longitudinal direction. These members (5) can extend in the longitudinal direction of the strip by modifying their shape. In order to achieve good axial bendability and a high level of radial extensibility and guarantee adequate support for the body tissue, sections of the strip (A) which are adjacent in the axial direction of the prosthesis (1) are interconnected by webs (10), which allow for some distance between the adjacent sections of the strip (A) in the axial direction of the prosthesis (1).

Description

TUBULÄRE ENDOPROTHESE TUBULAR ENDOPROTHESIS
Die Erfindung betrifft eine tubuläre Endoprothese zur Implantation in ein Hohlorgan des menschlichen oder tierischen Körpers, wobei eine äußere Mantelfläche der Prothese von einem helixförmig gewickelten Band gebildet ist. das aus in Längsrichtung des Bandes hintereinander angeordneten und miteinander verbundenen Gliedern besteht, die in Längsrichtung des Bandes unter Formänderung verlängerbar sind.The invention relates to a tubular endoprosthesis for implantation in a hollow organ of the human or animal body, an outer circumferential surface of the prosthesis being formed by a helically wound band. which consists of links arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the belt and connected to one another, which can be extended in the longitudinal direction of the belt with a change in shape.
Eine derartige Endoprothese ist beispielsweise aus der WO 98/38945 bekannt. Im medizintechnischen Sprachgebrauch werden derartige in der Regel aus Metall gefertigteSuch an endoprosthesis is known for example from WO 98/38945. In medical technology usage such are usually made of metal
Endoprothesen auch als sogenannte „Stents" bezeichnet. Diese dienen dazu, Engstellungen in Hohlorganen zu behandeln und werden nach einem Vorschieben an den Implantationsort, in der Regel unter Verwendung eines aufblähbaren Ballonkatheters, aufgedehnt, um sich an die Wandung des zu schienenden bzw. stützenden Hohlorgans anzulegen. Alternativ kann zur Aufdehnung durch einen Ballonkatheter die Prothese aus einer speziellen Nickel-Titan- Legierung (sogenanntes „Memory-Metall") hergestellt werden. Mit Hilfe einer Wärmebehandlung wird erreicht, daß der Stent bei Erwärmung von der Umgebungs- auf die Körpertemperatur nach dem Verlassen des Einführungskatheters von selbst expandiert.Endoprostheses are also referred to as so-called "stents". These serve to treat constrictions in hollow organs and, after being pushed to the implantation site, usually using an inflatable balloon catheter, are expanded in order to adhere to the wall of the hollow organ to be shone or to support it Alternatively, the prosthesis can be made from a special nickel-titanium alloy (so-called “memory metal”) for expansion by means of a balloon catheter. With the help of a heat treatment it is achieved that the stent expands on its own when heated from the ambient to the body temperature after leaving the insertion catheter.
Bei der aus der WO 98/38945 bekannten Endoprothese besitzen die Einzelglieder die Form eines V bzw. zweier in entgegengesetzte Richtung geneigter mit ihren Basisseiten aneinanderstoßenden Trapeze. Die Umrandung des an sich offenen Einzelglieds wird jeweils von zwei schmalen V-förmig gebogenen Stabelementen gebildet, deren Enden über in axiale Richtung des Stents verlaufende Stege miteinander verbunden sind.In the endoprosthesis known from WO 98/38945, the individual members have the shape of a V or two trapezoids which are inclined in the opposite direction with their base sides abutting one another. The border of the individual member, which is open per se, is formed in each case by two narrow V-shaped rod elements, the ends of which are connected to one another via webs running in the axial direction of the stent.
Ein Nachteil dieser bekannten Endoprothese ist darin zu sehen, daß die Flexibilität des rohrförmigen Körpers in bezug auf eine Krümmung in axiale Richtung sehr groß ist, so daß es in Bereichen zwischen in Axialrichtung benachbarten Bandabschnitten zu einer mangelnden Überdeckung, das heißt, einer mangelnden Λbstützung des Körpergewebes, kommt. Aus der US 4553,545 ist des weiteren eine Endoprothese bekannt, die aus einem helixförmig gewickelten Monofilament-Draht besteht. Eine radiale Aufdehnbarkeit ist bei dieser Prothese nicht gegeben. Außerdem offenbart die vorgenannte Patentschrift zwei Stent- Varianten, bei denen ein Band aus zwei im axialen Abstand parallel zueinander verlaufenden Drähten gebildet ist, die durch in Axialrichtung verlaufende Stege miteinander verbunden sind. Eine Verbindung zwischen benachbarten Windungen ist nicht vorhanden, so daß die Überdeckung im Falle einer stärkeren Krümmung in axiale Richtung schlecht ist. Des weiteren weisen die bekannten Ausführungsformen nicht das Merkmal einer radialen Dehnbarkeit des Stents auf.A disadvantage of this known endoprosthesis can be seen in the fact that the flexibility of the tubular body with respect to a curvature in the axial direction is very great, so that there is a lack of overlap, that is to say a lack of support of the, in regions between band sections adjacent in the axial direction Body tissue, comes. From US 4553,545 an endoprosthesis is also known which consists of a helically wound monofilament wire. This prosthesis is not radially expandable. In addition, the aforementioned patent specification discloses two stent variants, in which a band is formed from two wires running parallel to one another at an axial distance, which are connected to one another by webs running in the axial direction. There is no connection between adjacent turns, so that the overlap is poor in the case of a greater curvature in the axial direction. Furthermore, the known embodiments do not have the feature of radial stretchability of the stent.
Eine vergleichbare Stentkonstruktion ist auch in der US 4,760,849 beschrieben. Das helixförmig gewickelte Band besteht hier aus drei parallel im Abstand zueinander angeordneten Einzelbändern, die jeweils durch miteinander fluchtende Querstege auf Abstand zueinander gehalten werden. Die Überdeckung im Falle einer axialen Krümmung ist hier ebenso als Nachteil anzusehen, wie die fehlende radiale Dehnbarkeit.A comparable stent construction is also described in US 4,760,849. The helically wound tape here consists of three individual tapes arranged parallel to one another, each of which is kept at a distance from one another by cross webs which are aligned with one another. The overlap in the case of an axial curvature is to be regarded as a disadvantage here, as is the lack of radial extensibility.
Stentkonstruktionen ohne einen helixförmigen Aufbau sind beispielsweise aus der EP 0 221 570 Bl und der EP 0 335 341 Bl bekannt. In der erstgenannten Druckschrift ist ein Stent beschrieben, dessen Mantelfläche von in Achsrichtung verlaufenden und gradlinig durchgängigen Längsstreifen und senkrecht zwischen benachbarten Längsstreifen in Umfangsrichtung verlaufenden Querstegen aufgebaut ist. Die Stege auf gegenüberliegenden Seiten eines Längsstreifens sind um den halben Abstand versetzt zueinander angeordnet. Die durch jeweils zwei Längsstreifen und zwei Stege gebildeten rechteckförmigen Durchbrüche werden im expandierten Zustand des Stents rautenförmig verformt, wodurch eine axialeStent constructions without a helical structure are known for example from EP 0 221 570 B1 and EP 0 335 341 B1. In the first-mentioned publication, a stent is described, the lateral surface of which is constructed from longitudinal strips running in the axial direction and straight through and perpendicularly between adjacent longitudinal strips running in the circumferential direction between adjacent longitudinal strips. The webs on opposite sides of a longitudinal strip are offset from one another by half the distance. The rectangular openings formed by two longitudinal strips and two webs are deformed in a diamond shape in the expanded state of the stent, as a result of which an axial
Verkürzung des Stents eintritt. Problematisch hat sich bei einer derartigen Stentkonstruktion die sehr eingeschränkte Elastizität hinsichtlich Krümmungen in axialer Richtung herausgestellt.Shortening of the stent occurs. The problem with such a stent construction has been found to be the very limited elasticity with regard to curvatures in the axial direction.
Die in der EP 0 335 341 Bl offenbarte Stentkonstruktion ist durch eine Aneinanderreihung zylindrischer Einzelelemente gekennzeichnet, die über schräg zur Längsachse verlaufende Verbindungsstege aneinandergekoppelt sind. Die einzelnen Elemente sind radial aufdehnbar, wodurch rechteckförmige Durchbrüche in eine Rautenform unter gleichzeitiger axialer Verkürzung des Stents überführt werden. Aufgrund der speziellen Stegverbindung der zylindrischen Einzelsegmente ist eine Krümmung in Axialrichtung im wesentlichen nur in den Verbindungsbereichen zwischen den Einzelsegmenten möglich. Einer Oberflächenform der Hohlorgane mit einer Krümmung kleiner als die axiale Länge eines Einzelabschnitts kann sich dieser bekannte Stent nicht anpassen.The stent construction disclosed in EP 0 335 341 B1 is characterized by a series of cylindrical individual elements which extend obliquely to the longitudinal axis Connecting webs are coupled together. The individual elements can be expanded radially, as a result of which rectangular openings are converted into a diamond shape with simultaneous axial shortening of the stent. Due to the special web connection of the cylindrical individual segments, a curvature in the axial direction is essentially only possible in the connection areas between the individual segments. This known stent cannot adapt to a surface shape of the hollow organs with a curvature smaller than the axial length of an individual section.
Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine tubuläre Endoprothese zur Implantation in ein Hohlorgan des menschlichen oder tierischen Körpers vorzuschlagen, die sich in radiale Richtung hinreichend leicht aufweiten läßt, die in axiale Richtung eine hinreichende Flexibilität auch zur Anpassung an kleinere Krümmungsradien besitzt und die im Falle einer stärkeren Krümmung in axiale Richtung in diesen gekrümmten Bereichen eine hinreichend große Überdeckung, das heißt, Abstützung des umgebenden Körpergewebes, aufweist.The invention has for its object to propose a tubular endoprosthesis for implantation in a hollow organ of the human or animal body, which can be expanded easily enough in the radial direction, which has sufficient flexibility in the axial direction also for adaptation to smaller radii of curvature and in the case a greater curvature in the axial direction in these curved areas has a sufficiently large coverage, that is, support of the surrounding body tissue.
Ausgehend von einer Endoprothese der eingangs beschriebenen Art, wird diese Aufgabe erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß in axiale Richtung der Prothese benachbarte Bandabschnitte durch Stege miteinander verbunden sind, die eine Entfernung benachbarter Bandabschnitte in axiale Richtung der Prothese erlauben.Starting from an endoprosthesis of the type described at the outset, this object is achieved according to the invention in that adjacent band sections in the axial direction of the prosthesis are connected to one another by webs which permit removal of adjacent band sections in the axial direction of the prosthesis.
Während die Helixform als Grundform des erfindungsgemäßen Prothesendesigns eine sehr gute Flexibilität in bezug auf Krümmungen in Achsrichtung der Endoprothese aufweist, wird diese Flexibilität durch die Stege zwischen benachbarten Bandabschnitten kaum negativ beeinflußt, da die Stege eine Entfernung benachbarter Bandschnitte in axiale Richtung der Prothese gestatten. Durch die Stege wird gegenüber Endoprothesen mit Helixaufbau, jedoch ohne Verbindung benachbarter Windungen durch derartige Stege, eine erhöhte Überdeckung erreicht, was zu einer verbesserten Abstützung des umgebenden Körpergewebes führt. Aufgrund der Fähigkeit, axiale Krümmungen des zu stützenden Hohlorgans nachzuempfinden, eignet sich ein Stent gemäß der Erfindung insbesondere auch für gekrümmte Blutgefäßabschnitte oder andere gekrümmt verlaufende Hohlorgane wie das Gallenwegsystem .While the helix shape as the basic form of the prosthesis design according to the invention has very good flexibility with regard to curvatures in the axial direction of the endoprosthesis, this flexibility is hardly influenced negatively by the webs between adjacent band sections, since the webs allow adjacent band sections to be removed in the axial direction of the prosthesis. Compared to endoprostheses with a helical structure, but without connecting adjacent windings by means of such webs, the webs provide increased coverage, which leads to improved support of the surrounding body tissue. Because of the ability to emulate axial curvatures of the hollow organ to be supported, a stent according to the invention is particularly suitable for curved blood vessel sections or other curved hollow organs such as the biliary system.
Gemäß einer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung sind die Glieder in Längsrichtung der Prothese langgestreckt und besitzen jeweils einen schlitzförmigen Durchbruch. Eine derartige Form erlaubt eine einfache radiale Aufdehnung des Stents, wobei die Durchbrüche bei einer Längsdehnung des Bandes ihre Form von einem Schlitz zu einer Raute bzw. einem Rhombus ändern. Hierdurch läßt sich in Längsrichtung des Bandes ein großer Längenzuwachs erzielen, wodurch eine große radiale Dehnbarkeit sichergestellt wird.According to one embodiment of the invention, the limbs are elongated in the longitudinal direction of the prosthesis and each have a slot-shaped opening. Such a shape permits simple radial expansion of the stent, the openings changing their shape from a slot to a rhombus or a rhombus when the band is elongated. In this way, a large increase in length can be achieved in the longitudinal direction of the band, which ensures a large radial extensibility.
Aus fertigungstechnischen Gründen ist es vorteilhaft, wenn die Glieder und die Durchbrüche flach-ovalförmig sind. Scharfe Ecken bzw. Kanten werden hierdurch ebenfalls vermieden, so daß die Gefahr einer Beschädigung des Körpersgewebes nicht besteht.For technical reasons, it is advantageous if the links and the openings are flat-oval. This also avoids sharp corners or edges, so that there is no risk of damage to the body tissue.
Die Erfindung weiter ausgestaltend ist vorgesehen, daß die Glieder über Stege verbunden sind, die mittig von den Längsseiten der Glieder ausgehen.The invention in a further embodiment provides that the links are connected via webs which extend centrally from the long sides of the links.
Die oben angegebene Aufgabe wird alternativ gemäß der Erfindung auch durch eine tubuläre Endoprothese zur Implantation in ein Hohlorgan des menschlichen oder tierischen Körpers gelöst, wobei eine äußere Mantelfläche der Prothese von einem helixförmig gewickelten Band gebildet ist, das wiederum von einem mäanderförmig in der Ebene des Bandes verlaufenden Band gebildet ist, wobei in axiale Richtung der Prothese benachbarte Bandabschnitte durch Stege miteinander verbunden sind, die eine Entfernung benachbarter Bandabschnitte in axiale Richtung der Prothese erlauben.The above-mentioned object is alternatively achieved according to the invention by a tubular endoprosthesis for implantation in a hollow organ of the human or animal body, an outer lateral surface of the prosthesis being formed by a helically wound band, which in turn is formed by a meandering band in the plane of the band extending band is formed, in the axial direction of the prosthesis adjacent band sections are connected to one another by webs, which allow removal of adjacent band sections in the axial direction of the prosthesis.
Anstelle eines helixförmig gewickelten Bandes, das aus aneinandergekoppelten Einzelgliedern hergestellt ist, die in Längsrichtung des Bandes unter Längenzuwachs verformbar sind, wird die Eigenschaft der Verlängerbarkeit des helixförmigen Bandes bei dieser Variante durch einen mäanderförmigen Verlauf eines kleineren Bandes sichergestellt. Der mäanderförmige Verlauf bewirkt, daß bei einer Zugbeanspruchung infolge einer radialen Aufdehnung des Stents die Mäander einen steileren Verlauf erhalten und somit eine Verlängerung des Bandes verursachen.Instead of a helically wound tape, which is made of coupled individual links that are deformable in the longitudinal direction of the tape with increasing length, the property of the extensibility of the helical tape in this variant is ensured by a meandering course of a smaller tape. The meandering course causes the meanders to have a steeper course in the event of a tensile stress due to a radial expansion of the stent and thus cause an elongation of the band.
Eine gute axiale Krümmbarkeit der erfindungsgemäßen Endoprothese wird auch hier dadurch erreicht, daß die Stege zwischen benachbarten Windungen so ausgebildet sind, daß diese Windungen in axiale Richtung voneinander entfernbar sind.A good axial curvature of the endoprosthesis according to the invention is also achieved here in that the webs between adjacent turns are designed such that these turns can be removed from one another in the axial direction.
Um diese axiale Entfernbarkeit von in axiale Richtung benachbarten Bandabschnitten zu erzielen, ist es besonders vorteilhaft, wenn zumindest ein Abschnitt der Stege unter einem Winkel zur Längsachse der Prothese verläuft. Im Falle einer Vergrößerung der axialen Entfernung benachbarter Bandabschnitte wird dieser Winkel verkleinert, wodurch sich - in Achsrichtung des Stents betrachtet - eine „Verlängerung" des Stegs ergibt.In order to achieve this axial removability of adjacent band sections in the axial direction, it is particularly advantageous if at least one section of the webs runs at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the prosthesis. In the event of an increase in the axial distance between adjacent band sections, this angle is reduced, which — viewed in the axial direction of the stent — results in an “extension” of the web.
Vorzugsweise besitzen die Stege einen S-förmigen und/oder Z-förmigen Verlauf bei einer Draufsicht auf die Mantelfläche der Prothese.The webs preferably have an S-shaped and / or Z-shaped course when viewed from above on the lateral surface of the prosthesis.
Zur Erzielung eines möglichst ebenen stirnseitigen Abschlusses der erfindungsgemäßen Prothese ist vorgesehen, daß mindestens ein stirnseitiger Endabschnitt der Prothese, ausgehend von dem letzten vollständigen Glied oder der letzten vollständigen Mäanderschlaufe, mehrere sich in ihrer Länge entsprechend der Steigung der Helix verkürzende Windungen aufweist.In order to achieve as flat an end as possible the end of the prosthesis according to the invention, it is provided that at least one end section of the end of the prosthesis, starting from the last complete link or the last complete meandering loop, has a plurality of turns which shorten in length in accordance with the pitch of the helix.
Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform sind die Windungen über Querstege mit den Gliedern oder Mäandern des in axiale Richtung benachbarten Bandabschnitts verbunden.In a preferred embodiment, the windings are connected to the links or meanders of the band section adjacent in the axial direction via transverse webs.
Ferner ist vorgesehen, daß die Prothese aus einem vollflächigen Ausgangskörper durch Entfernung des zwischen den Stegen und Gliedern oder Mäandern befindlichen Materials hergestellt ist. Diese Materialentfernung kann in vorteilhafter Weise mit Hilfe einer computergesteuerten Laserschneidvorrichtung erfolgen.It is also provided that the prosthesis from a full-surface starting body by removing the material located between the webs and limbs or meandering is made. This material removal can advantageously be carried out with the aid of a computer-controlled laser cutting device.
Entweder kann der Ausgangsköφer zur Herstellung der Endoprothese rohrförmig, alternativ aber auch plattenförmig sein, um nach der Herstellung der Durchbrüche rohrförmig gewickelt und in dieser Form fixiert zu werden.Either the starting body for the production of the endoprosthesis can be tubular, or alternatively it can also be plate-shaped in order to be wound into a tube after the openings have been made and fixed in this form.
Sinnvollerweise besteht die erfindungsgemäße Endoprothese aus Metall, wobei es sich je nach Anwendungsfall auch um eine sogenannte „Memory- Metallegierung" handeln kann.The endoprosthesis according to the invention expediently consists of metal, which, depending on the application, can also be a so-called “memory metal alloy”.
Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand zweier Ausführungsbeispiele, die in der Zeichnung dargestellt sind, näher erläutert. Es zeigt:The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of two exemplary embodiments which are shown in the drawing. It shows:
Figur 1 eine Abwicklung des Mantels einer Endoprothese, aufgebaut aus einem aus Einzelgliedern bestehenden helixförmig gewickelten BandFigure 1 is a development of the jacket of an endoprosthesis, constructed from a helical coil consisting of individual members
undand
Figur 2 wie Figur 1, jedoch mit einem helixförmig gewickelten Band, das von einem mäanderförmig verlaufenden Band gebildet ist.Figure 2 as Figure 1, but with a helically wound band, which is formed by a meandering band.
Die in Figur 1 in einer Abwicklung dargestellte Endoprothese 1 besteht aus fünf jeweils eine Windung bildenden axial hintereinander angeordneten Bandabschnitten A eines Bandes 2. Im zylinderförmig gewickelten Zustand des Mantels stößt dessen erste Längsseite 3 an die gegenüberliegende zweite Längsseite 4. Die Endoprothese 1 kann dabei sowohl aus einem plattenförmigen Ausgangsmaterial, vorzugsweise Blech, oder aus einem zylinderförmigen Ausgangskörper und zwar jeweils durch Herstellung der Durchbrüche gefertigt werden. Das helixförmig gewickelte Band 2 besteht aus in Längsrichtung des Bandes 2 hintereinander angeordneten und miteinander verbundenen Gliedern 5. Die Glieder 5 sind in Richtung der Längsachse L der Endoprothese 1 langgestreckt und ovalförmig und besitzen jeweils einen flach- ovalförmigen Durchbruch 6.The endoprosthesis 1 shown in a development in FIG. 1 consists of five band sections A of a band 2, each forming a turn, axially one behind the other. In the cylinder-wound state of the sheath, its first long side 3 abuts the opposite second long side 4. The endoprosthesis 1 can both be made from a plate-shaped starting material, preferably sheet metal, or from a cylindrical starting body, in each case by producing the openings. The helically wound band 2 consists of links 5 which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the band 2 and which are connected to one another. The links 5 are elongated and oval in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the endoprosthesis 1 and each have a flat-oval opening 6.
In Längsrichtung des Bandes 2 benachbarte Glieder 5 sind jeweils mit Hilfe eines Stegs 7 miteinander verbunden, die mittig von den Längsseiten 8 der Glieder 5 ausgehen. Diese Stege 7 gehen mit Rundungen in die Längsseiten 8 über und weisen eine Breite auf, die geringfügig größer ist als die Breite der die Glieder bildenden Streifen 9.Links 5 adjacent in the longitudinal direction of the band 2 are each connected to one another by means of a web 7, which extend centrally from the longitudinal sides 8 of the links 5. These webs 7 merge into the longitudinal sides 8 and have a width which is slightly larger than the width of the strips 9 forming the links.
Bei einer radialen Aufdehnung der Endoprothese 1 , beispielsweise mit Hilfe eines Ballonkatheters, kommt es infolge der Zugbeanspruchung in Längsrichtung des Bandes 2 zu einer Verformung der Glieder 5, die im gedehnten Zustand einen rautenförmigen Durchbruch umschließen. Diese radiale Aufdehnung der Endoprothese 1 geht einher mit einer gewissen axialen Verkürzung.In the event of a radial expansion of the endoprosthesis 1, for example with the aid of a balloon catheter, the members 5 are deformed as a result of the tensile stress in the longitudinal direction of the band 2 and enclose a diamond-shaped opening in the stretched state. This radial expansion of the endoprosthesis 1 is accompanied by a certain axial shortening.
Eine Verbindung benachbarter Bandabschnitte A geschieht mit Hilfe von Stegen 10, die eine Z- bzw. S-förmige Gestalt besitzen. Diese Stege 10 verbinden solche Glieder miteinander, die in Umfangsrichtung betrachtet um ein Glied 5 versetzt zueinander angeordnet sind. Dadurch verlaufen die Stege 10 unter einem Winkel zu der Längsachse der Endoprothese 1, wodurch eine Entfernung der Glieder 5 benachbarter Bandabschnitte A ermöglicht wird. Hierdurch wird eine sehr große Flexibilität der Endoprothese 1 in bezug auf Krümmungen in Achsrichtung geschaffen. Außerdem bewirken die in Bandlängsrichtung an jedem vierten Glied 5 angeschlossenen Stege 10 eine Erhöhung der Überdeckung, das heißt eine verbesserte Abstützung des Köφergewebes im expandierten Zustand der Endoprothese 1.A connection of adjacent band sections A is done with the help of webs 10, which have a Z- or S-shaped shape. These webs 10 connect such links to one another which, viewed in the circumferential direction, are arranged offset from one another by a link 5. As a result, the webs 10 run at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the endoprosthesis 1, which enables the links 5 of adjacent band sections A to be removed. This creates a very high degree of flexibility of the endoprosthesis 1 with respect to curvatures in the axial direction. In addition, the webs 10 connected to every fourth link 5 in the longitudinal direction of the band increase the coverage, that is to say, improve the support of the body tissue in the expanded state of the endoprosthesis 1.
Um stirnseitig einen möglichst gradlinigen Abschluß der Endoprothese 1 zu erzielen, sind beide stirnseitigen Endabschnitte 11 der Endoprothese 1 , ausgehend von dem letzten vollständigen Glied 5, mit mehreren sich in ihrer Länge entsprechend der Steigung der Helix verkürzenden Windungen 12 versehen. Diese Windungen 12 sind über Querstege 13 mit den Gliedern 5 des in axiale Richtung benachbarten Bandabschnitts A verbunden. Der Anschluß der letzten Windung 12 an das letzte vollständige Glied 5 erfolgt in der Mitte der Längsseite 8 dieses Glieds 5. Die Windung 12 mit der geringsten axialen Breite schließt sich schließlich seitlich wie ein Verbindungssteg 13 an ein Glied 5 an.In order to achieve the most straight possible end of the endoprosthesis 1 on the end, both end sections 11 of the endoprosthesis 1 are, starting from the last complete member 5, with several in their length corresponding to the slope of the helix shortening turns 12 provided. These windings 12 are connected via crossbars 13 to the links 5 of the band section A adjacent in the axial direction. The connection of the last turn 12 to the last complete link 5 takes place in the middle of the long side 8 of this link 5. The turn 12 with the smallest axial width finally connects laterally to a link 5 like a connecting web 13.
Die Breite sowohl der Windungen 12 als auch der Z- bzw. S-förmigen Stege 10 ist geringer als die Breite der die Glieder 5 bildenden Streifen 9. Hierdurch kann eine höhere Flexibilität in diesen unter Umständen einer stärkeren Verformung unterworfenen Zonen gewährleistet werden.The width of both the turns 12 and the Z-shaped or S-shaped webs 10 is less than the width of the strips 9 forming the links 5. This can ensure greater flexibility in these zones, which may be subject to greater deformation.
Figur 2 zeigt eine alternative Gestaltung einer Endoprothese 1', bei der das Band 2' nicht aus miteinander gekoppelten Einzelgliedern besteht, sondern von einem schmalen Band 14 gebildet ist, das mäanderförmig in der Ebene des Bandes 2' verläuft. Eine Längung des Bandes 2' und damit eine radiale Aufdehnung der Endoprothese 1' erfolgt in diesem Falle durch eine Aufweitung der Mäanderschlaufen unter gleichzeitiger axialer Verkürzung derselben um einen gewissen Betrag.FIG. 2 shows an alternative design of an endoprosthesis 1 ', in which the band 2' does not consist of individual members coupled to one another, but is formed by a narrow band 14 which runs in a meandering manner in the plane of the band 2 '. An elongation of the band 2 'and thus a radial expansion of the endoprosthesis 1' takes place in this case by widening the meander loops while simultaneously axially shortening them by a certain amount.
Die Verbindung benachbarter Bandabschnitte A erfolgt über Stege 10 in analoger Weise, wie bei dem Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Figur 1. Das gleiche gilt für die stimseitigen Endabschnitte 11, die analog zum Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Figur 1 ausgebildet und an die benachbarten Windungen angeschlossen sind. The connection of adjacent strip sections A takes place via webs 10 in an analogous manner to that in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1. The same applies to the end sections 11 on the front side, which are designed analogously to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 and are connected to the adjacent windings.

Claims

Paten tansprüche: Patent claims:
1. Tubuläre Endoprothese (1) zur Implantation in ein Hohlorgan des menschlichen oder tierischen Köφers, wobei eine äußere Mantelfläche der Prothese (1) von einem helixförmig gewickelten Band (2) gebildet ist, das aus in Längsrichtung des Bandes (2) hintereinander angeordneten und miteinander verbundenen Gliedern (5) besteht, die in Längsrichtung des Bandes (2) unter Formänderung verlängerbar sind, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in axiale Richtung der Prothese (1) benachbarte Bandabschnitte (A) durch Stege (10) miteinander verbunden sind, die eine Entfernung benachbarter Bandabschnitte (A) in axiale Richtung der Prothese (1) erlauben.1. Tubular endoprosthesis (1) for implantation in a hollow organ of the human or animal body, an outer circumferential surface of the prosthesis (1) being formed by a helically wound band (2) which is arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the band (2) and interconnected members (5), which can be extended in the longitudinal direction of the band (2) with a change in shape, characterized in that adjacent band sections (A) in the axial direction of the prosthesis (1) are connected to one another by webs (10) which provide a distance Allow adjacent band sections (A) in the axial direction of the prosthesis (1).
2. Prothese nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Glieder (5) in Längsrichtung der Prothese (1) langgestreckt sind und jeweils einen schlitzförmigen Durchbruch (6) besitzen.2. A prosthesis according to claim 1, characterized in that the limbs (5) are elongated in the longitudinal direction of the prosthesis (1) and each have a slot-shaped opening (6).
3. Prothese nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Glieder (5) und die Durchbrüche (6) flach-ovalförmig sind.3. Prosthesis according to claim 2, characterized in that the limbs (5) and the openings (6) are flat-oval.
4. Prothese nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Glieder (5) über Stege (7) verbunden sind, die mittig von den Längsseiten (8) der Glieder (5) ausgehen.4. Prosthesis according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the links (5) are connected via webs (7) which extend centrally from the longitudinal sides (8) of the links (5).
5. Tubuläre Endoprothese (1') zur Implantation in ein Hohlorgan des menschlichen oder tierischen Köφers, wobei eine äußere Mantelfläche der Prothese (1') von einem helixförmig gewickelten Band (2') gebildet ist, das von einem mäanderförmig in der Ebene des Bandes (2') verlaufenden Band (14) gebildet ist, wobei in axiale Richtung der Prothese (1) benachbarte Bandabschnitte (A) durch Stege (10) miteinander verbunden sind, die eine Entfernung benachbarter Bandabschnitte (Λ) in axiale Richtung der Prothese (1) erlauben. 5. Tubular endoprosthesis (1 ') for implantation in a hollow organ of the human or animal body, wherein an outer lateral surface of the prosthesis (1') is formed by a helically wound band (2 ') which is formed by a meandering in the plane of the band (2 ') extending band (14) is formed, with adjacent band sections (A) in the axial direction of the prosthesis (1) being connected to one another by webs (10) which allow a distance between adjacent band sections (Λ) in the axial direction of the prosthesis (1 ) allow.
6. Prothese nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zumindest ein Abschnitt der Stege (10) unter einem Winkel zur Längsachse (L) der Prothese (1, 1') verläuft.6. Prosthesis according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least a portion of the webs (10) at an angle to the longitudinal axis (L) of the prosthesis (1, 1 ').
7. Prothese nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Stege (10) einen S-förmigen und/oder Z-förmigen Verlauf besitzen.7. Prosthesis according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the webs (10) have an S-shaped and / or Z-shaped course.
8. Prothese nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß mindestens ein stimseitiger Endabschnitt (11) der Prothese (1, 1'), ausgehend von dem letzten vollständigen Glied (5) oder der letzten vollständigen Mäanderschlaufe, mehrere sich in ihrer Länge entsprechend der Steigung der Helix verkürzende Windungen (12) aufweist.8. Prosthesis according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one end-side end portion (11) of the prosthesis (1, 1 '), starting from the last complete link (5) or the last complete meander loop, several in their Has length corresponding to the slope of the helix shortening turns (12).
9. Prothese nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Windungen (12) über Querstege (13) mit den Gliedern (5) oder Mäanderschlaufen des in axiale Richtung benachbarten Bandabschnitts (A) verbunden sind.9. A prosthesis according to claim 8, characterized in that the windings (12) are connected via transverse webs (13) to the links (5) or meandering loops of the band section (A) adjacent in the axial direction.
10. Prothese nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sie aus einem vollflächigen Ausgangskörper durch Entfernung des zwischen den Stegen (7, 10, 13) und10. Prosthesis according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it consists of a full-surface starting body by removing the between the webs (7, 10, 13) and
Gliedern (5) oder Mäandern befindlichen Materials hergestellt ist.Limbs (5) or meandering material is made.
11. Prothese nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Ausgangsköφer rohrförmig ist.11. A prosthesis according to claim 10, characterized in that the exit body is tubular.
12. Prothese nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Ausgangsköφer plattenförmig ist und nach der Herstellung der Durchbrüche rohrförmig gewickelt und in dieser Form fixiert ist.12. A prosthesis according to claim 10, characterized in that the exit body is plate-shaped and, after the openings have been made, is wound in a tubular shape and fixed in this form.
13. Prothese nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sie aus Metall besteht.13. Prosthesis according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it consists of metal.
ERSÄΓZB ERSÄΓZB
4. Prothese nach Anspruch 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sie aus einer Memory- Metallegierung besteht.4. Prosthesis according to claim 13, characterized in that it consists of a memory metal alloy.
ERSATZB REPLACEMENTB
PCT/DE1999/002980 1998-09-21 1999-09-20 Tubular endoprosthesis WO2000016718A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19981854T DE19981854D2 (en) 1998-09-21 1999-09-20 Tubular endoprosthesis
EP99955729A EP1117353A1 (en) 1998-09-21 1999-09-20 Tubular endoprosthesis
AU12605/00A AU1260500A (en) 1998-09-21 1999-09-20 Tubular endoprosthesis

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE29816878U DE29816878U1 (en) 1998-09-21 1998-09-21 Helix stent that can be manufactured using the cutting process
DE29816878.2 1998-09-21

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000016718A1 true WO2000016718A1 (en) 2000-03-30

Family

ID=8062909

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/DE1999/002980 WO2000016718A1 (en) 1998-09-21 1999-09-20 Tubular endoprosthesis

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1117353A1 (en)
AU (1) AU1260500A (en)
DE (2) DE29816878U1 (en)
WO (1) WO2000016718A1 (en)

Cited By (27)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2365354A (en) * 2000-06-06 2002-02-20 Medinol Ltd Serpentine coiled ladder stent
GB2369062A (en) * 2000-09-08 2002-05-22 Cathnet Science Holding As Extendable stent
US6878162B2 (en) * 2002-08-30 2005-04-12 Edwards Lifesciences Ag Helical stent having improved flexibility and expandability
WO2009061625A1 (en) * 2007-06-22 2009-05-14 Medtronic Vascular Inc. Stent with improved mechanical properties
US7556644B2 (en) 2005-04-04 2009-07-07 Flexible Stenting Solutions, Inc. Flexible stent
WO2010065241A1 (en) * 2008-12-02 2010-06-10 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Stent with graduated stiffness
EP1430854B1 (en) * 2002-12-20 2011-02-23 Biotronik GmbH & Co. KG Stent
US7935141B2 (en) 2005-08-17 2011-05-03 C. R. Bard, Inc. Variable speed stent delivery system
US8328865B2 (en) 2007-02-12 2012-12-11 C. R. Bard, Inc. Highly flexible stent and method of manufacture
US8333799B2 (en) 2007-02-12 2012-12-18 C. R. Bard, Inc. Highly flexible stent and method of manufacture
US8500794B2 (en) 2007-08-02 2013-08-06 Flexible Stenting Solutions, Inc. Flexible stent
WO2014063650A1 (en) * 2012-10-26 2014-05-01 Zhejiang Zylox Medical Device Co., Ltd. Self-expanding stent
US8808346B2 (en) 2006-01-13 2014-08-19 C. R. Bard, Inc. Stent delivery system
US8864811B2 (en) 2010-06-08 2014-10-21 Veniti, Inc. Bi-directional stent delivery system
US9078779B2 (en) 2006-08-07 2015-07-14 C. R. Bard, Inc. Hand-held actuator device
US9149376B2 (en) 2008-10-06 2015-10-06 Cordis Corporation Reconstrainable stent delivery system
US9233014B2 (en) 2010-09-24 2016-01-12 Veniti, Inc. Stent with support braces
US9301864B2 (en) 2010-06-08 2016-04-05 Veniti, Inc. Bi-directional stent delivery system
US9421115B2 (en) 2007-07-11 2016-08-23 C. R. Bard, Inc. Device for catheter sheath retraction
US9456911B2 (en) 2006-02-14 2016-10-04 Angiomed Gmbh & Co. Medizintechnik Highly flexible stent and method of manufacture
US9486339B2 (en) 2004-09-01 2016-11-08 Angiomed Gmbh & Co. Medizintechnik Kg Stent and method for manufacturing the stent
US9649211B2 (en) 2009-11-04 2017-05-16 Confluent Medical Technologies, Inc. Alternating circumferential bridge stent design and methods for use thereof
US9801745B2 (en) 2010-10-21 2017-10-31 C.R. Bard, Inc. System to deliver a bodily implant
US10092427B2 (en) 2009-11-04 2018-10-09 Confluent Medical Technologies, Inc. Alternating circumferential bridge stent design and methods for use thereof
US10117763B2 (en) 2014-03-18 2018-11-06 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Reduced granulation and inflammation stent design
US10433987B2 (en) 2002-08-30 2019-10-08 C. R. Bard, Inc. Highly flexible stent and method of manufacture
US11026822B2 (en) 2006-01-13 2021-06-08 C. R. Bard, Inc. Stent delivery system

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6896696B2 (en) 1998-11-20 2005-05-24 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Flexible and expandable stent
US7204848B1 (en) 1995-03-01 2007-04-17 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Longitudinally flexible expandable stent
DE29816878U1 (en) * 1998-09-21 1998-12-24 Schmitz Rode Thomas Dipl Ing D Helix stent that can be manufactured using the cutting process
US6551351B2 (en) 1999-07-02 2003-04-22 Scimed Life Systems Spiral wound stent
US8070792B2 (en) 2000-09-22 2011-12-06 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Stent
US20050021123A1 (en) 2001-04-30 2005-01-27 Jurgen Dorn Variable speed self-expanding stent delivery system and luer locking connector
DE102004045226B4 (en) * 2004-09-17 2008-01-17 Optiray Medizintechnik Gmbh support prosthesis
US7665300B2 (en) 2005-03-11 2010-02-23 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Thin, flexible actuator array to produce complex shapes and force distributions
EP2658484A1 (en) 2010-12-30 2013-11-06 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Multi stage opening stent designs
EP2680797B1 (en) 2011-03-03 2016-10-26 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Low strain high strength stent
US8790388B2 (en) 2011-03-03 2014-07-29 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Stent with reduced profile

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4553545A (en) 1981-09-16 1985-11-19 Medinvent S.A. Device for application in blood vessels or other difficultly accessible locations and its use
EP0221570A2 (en) 1985-11-07 1987-05-13 Julio C. Palmaz Expandable intraluminal graft, and apparatus for implanting an expandable intraluminal graft
US4760849A (en) 1985-04-10 1988-08-02 Medinvent S.A. Planar blank and a coil spring manufactured therefrom
EP0335341A1 (en) 1988-03-28 1989-10-04 EXPANDABLE GRAFTS PARTNERSHIP a Texas General Partnership Expandable intraluminal graft and apparatus for implanting an expandable intraluminal graft
DE29516712U1 (en) * 1995-10-23 1995-12-21 Meyer Kobbe Clemens Dr Pipe with a lattice structure
WO1998030173A1 (en) * 1997-01-13 1998-07-16 Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc. Low profile self-expanding vascular stent
WO1998038945A1 (en) 1997-03-04 1998-09-11 Bernard Glatt Device forming helical stent and method for making same
DE29816878U1 (en) * 1998-09-21 1998-12-24 Schmitz Rode Thomas Dipl Ing D Helix stent that can be manufactured using the cutting process

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4553545A (en) 1981-09-16 1985-11-19 Medinvent S.A. Device for application in blood vessels or other difficultly accessible locations and its use
US4760849A (en) 1985-04-10 1988-08-02 Medinvent S.A. Planar blank and a coil spring manufactured therefrom
EP0221570A2 (en) 1985-11-07 1987-05-13 Julio C. Palmaz Expandable intraluminal graft, and apparatus for implanting an expandable intraluminal graft
EP0335341A1 (en) 1988-03-28 1989-10-04 EXPANDABLE GRAFTS PARTNERSHIP a Texas General Partnership Expandable intraluminal graft and apparatus for implanting an expandable intraluminal graft
DE29516712U1 (en) * 1995-10-23 1995-12-21 Meyer Kobbe Clemens Dr Pipe with a lattice structure
WO1998030173A1 (en) * 1997-01-13 1998-07-16 Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc. Low profile self-expanding vascular stent
WO1998038945A1 (en) 1997-03-04 1998-09-11 Bernard Glatt Device forming helical stent and method for making same
FR2760351A1 (en) * 1997-03-04 1998-09-11 Bernard Glatt HELICAL ENDOPROSTHESIS DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF
DE29816878U1 (en) * 1998-09-21 1998-12-24 Schmitz Rode Thomas Dipl Ing D Helix stent that can be manufactured using the cutting process

Cited By (46)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2365354A (en) * 2000-06-06 2002-02-20 Medinol Ltd Serpentine coiled ladder stent
GB2365354B (en) * 2000-06-06 2004-03-31 Medinol Ltd Serpentine coiled ladder stent
GB2369062A (en) * 2000-09-08 2002-05-22 Cathnet Science Holding As Extendable stent
GB2369062B (en) * 2000-09-08 2004-05-12 Cathnet Science Holding As Expandable stent
US6878162B2 (en) * 2002-08-30 2005-04-12 Edwards Lifesciences Ag Helical stent having improved flexibility and expandability
US9554927B2 (en) 2002-08-30 2017-01-31 C.R. Bard, Inc. Helical stent having improved flexibility and expandability
EP3115021A1 (en) * 2002-08-30 2017-01-11 C.R. Bard, Inc. Helical stent having improved flexibility and expandability
US10433987B2 (en) 2002-08-30 2019-10-08 C. R. Bard, Inc. Highly flexible stent and method of manufacture
US10463509B2 (en) * 2002-08-30 2019-11-05 C. R. Bard, Inc. Helical stent having improved flexibility and expandability
EP1430854B1 (en) * 2002-12-20 2011-02-23 Biotronik GmbH & Co. KG Stent
US10342685B2 (en) 2004-09-01 2019-07-09 Angiomed Gmbh & Co. Medizintechnik Kg Stent and method for manufacturing the stent
US10864095B2 (en) 2004-09-01 2020-12-15 Angiomed Gmbh & Co. Medizintechnik Kg Stent and method for manufacturing the stent
US9486339B2 (en) 2004-09-01 2016-11-08 Angiomed Gmbh & Co. Medizintechnik Kg Stent and method for manufacturing the stent
US7556644B2 (en) 2005-04-04 2009-07-07 Flexible Stenting Solutions, Inc. Flexible stent
US9592137B2 (en) 2005-04-04 2017-03-14 Flexible Stenting Solutions, Inc. Flexible stent
US7935141B2 (en) 2005-08-17 2011-05-03 C. R. Bard, Inc. Variable speed stent delivery system
US8808346B2 (en) 2006-01-13 2014-08-19 C. R. Bard, Inc. Stent delivery system
US9675486B2 (en) 2006-01-13 2017-06-13 C.R. Bard, Inc. Stent delivery system
US11026822B2 (en) 2006-01-13 2021-06-08 C. R. Bard, Inc. Stent delivery system
US10390978B2 (en) 2006-02-14 2019-08-27 Angiomed Gmbh & Co. Medizintechnik Kg Highly flexible stent and method of manufacture
US11103371B2 (en) 2006-02-14 2021-08-31 Angiomed Gmbh & Co. Medizintechnik Kg Highly flexible stent and method of manufacture
US9456911B2 (en) 2006-02-14 2016-10-04 Angiomed Gmbh & Co. Medizintechnik Highly flexible stent and method of manufacture
US9078779B2 (en) 2006-08-07 2015-07-14 C. R. Bard, Inc. Hand-held actuator device
US10993822B2 (en) 2006-08-07 2021-05-04 C. R. Bard, Inc. Hand-held actuator device
US8333799B2 (en) 2007-02-12 2012-12-18 C. R. Bard, Inc. Highly flexible stent and method of manufacture
US8328865B2 (en) 2007-02-12 2012-12-11 C. R. Bard, Inc. Highly flexible stent and method of manufacture
WO2009061625A1 (en) * 2007-06-22 2009-05-14 Medtronic Vascular Inc. Stent with improved mechanical properties
US10206800B2 (en) 2007-07-11 2019-02-19 C.R. Bard, Inc. Device for catheter sheath retraction
US11026821B2 (en) 2007-07-11 2021-06-08 C. R. Bard, Inc. Device for catheter sheath retraction
US9421115B2 (en) 2007-07-11 2016-08-23 C. R. Bard, Inc. Device for catheter sheath retraction
US8500794B2 (en) 2007-08-02 2013-08-06 Flexible Stenting Solutions, Inc. Flexible stent
US9149376B2 (en) 2008-10-06 2015-10-06 Cordis Corporation Reconstrainable stent delivery system
US10010438B2 (en) 2008-10-06 2018-07-03 Flexible Stenting Solutions, Inc. Reconstrainable stent delivery system
WO2010065241A1 (en) * 2008-12-02 2010-06-10 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Stent with graduated stiffness
US10744012B2 (en) 2009-11-04 2020-08-18 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Alternating circumferential bridge stent design and methods for use thereof
US10092427B2 (en) 2009-11-04 2018-10-09 Confluent Medical Technologies, Inc. Alternating circumferential bridge stent design and methods for use thereof
US9649211B2 (en) 2009-11-04 2017-05-16 Confluent Medical Technologies, Inc. Alternating circumferential bridge stent design and methods for use thereof
US8864811B2 (en) 2010-06-08 2014-10-21 Veniti, Inc. Bi-directional stent delivery system
US9301864B2 (en) 2010-06-08 2016-04-05 Veniti, Inc. Bi-directional stent delivery system
US9314360B2 (en) 2010-06-08 2016-04-19 Veniti, Inc. Bi-directional stent delivery system
US9233014B2 (en) 2010-09-24 2016-01-12 Veniti, Inc. Stent with support braces
US10959866B2 (en) 2010-09-24 2021-03-30 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Stent with support braces
US9801745B2 (en) 2010-10-21 2017-10-31 C.R. Bard, Inc. System to deliver a bodily implant
US10952879B2 (en) 2010-10-21 2021-03-23 C. R. Bard, Inc. System to deliver a bodily implant
WO2014063650A1 (en) * 2012-10-26 2014-05-01 Zhejiang Zylox Medical Device Co., Ltd. Self-expanding stent
US10117763B2 (en) 2014-03-18 2018-11-06 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Reduced granulation and inflammation stent design

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1117353A1 (en) 2001-07-25
AU1260500A (en) 2000-04-10
DE29816878U1 (en) 1998-12-24
DE19981854D2 (en) 2001-09-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2000016718A1 (en) Tubular endoprosthesis
EP0879584B2 (en) Coronary stent
DE60133434T2 (en) Snake-shaped, ladder-shaped stent
DE69822294T3 (en) Improved stent configurations
DE69931472T2 (en) STENT WITH IMPROVED CELL CONFIGURATION
DE69934244T2 (en) SPIRAL STONE
EP0682505B2 (en) Stent
DE60121332T2 (en) Longitudinally flexible stent
DE69826006T2 (en) EXPANDABLE STENT WITH VARIABLE THICKNESS
EP0800800B1 (en) Stent for transluminal implantation in a hollow organ
DE10342759A1 (en) Stent with improved durability
EP0878174A2 (en) Coronary stent
EP1516600A1 (en) Stent
DE19951607A1 (en) Stent with a closed structure
DE19633901A1 (en) Vascular support in the form of a tube section-like support structure
DE10342757A1 (en) Stent with terminal anchoring elements
DE10253633A1 (en) Stent, comprising spring areas and folding areas created by particularly shaped cuts and stabilizing device in compressed and expanded condition
EP1095633B1 (en) Stent having a closed structure
EP1555959B1 (en) Stent to be implanted within or around a hollow organ
DE69917739T2 (en) EXPANDABLE STENT
EP0682922B1 (en) Self-expanding stent for hollow organs
EP2895117B1 (en) Stent
EP1217968B9 (en) Radially expandable vessel support
EP0684021A1 (en) Stent with mutually linked wires
DE20314392U9 (en) Stent with terminal anchoring elements

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2000 12605

Country of ref document: AU

Kind code of ref document: A

AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CR CU CZ DE DK DM EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1999955729

Country of ref document: EP

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 09787832

Country of ref document: US

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 1999955729

Country of ref document: EP

REF Corresponds to

Ref document number: 19981854

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20010913

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 19981854

Country of ref document: DE

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Ref document number: 1999955729

Country of ref document: EP