Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
STENT FABRICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to methods
of fabricating stents.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Stem s are known in the art. They are typically
formed of a cylindrical metal mesh which can expand when
pressure is internally applied. Alternatively, they can be
formed of wire wrapped into a cylindrical shape.
As described in U.S. 4,776,337 to Palmaz, the
cylindrical metal mesh shape is produced by laser cutting a
thin walled metal tube. The laser cuts away all but the lines
and curves of the mesh.
The method of U.S. '337 is applicable for relatively
large mesh shapes and for meshes whose lines are relatively
wide. However, for more delicate and/or intricate shapes, the
spot size of the laser is too large.
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
SUN~1ARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
It is, therefore, an object of'the present invention
to provide a stmt fabrication method which can produce stem s
with relatively intricate and/or delicate designs.
The method involves first creating a flat version of
the desired stent pattern from a piece of thin sheet metal.
The flat pattern can be produced through any suitable
technique, such as etching the design into the sheet metal, or
by cutting with a very fine laser, should one become
commercially available or by any other technique.
Once the sheet metal has been cut, it is deformed so
as to cause its edges to meet. To create a cylindrical stmt
from a flat, roughly rectangular metal pattern, the flat metal
is rolled until the edges meet. The locations where edges
meet are joined together, such as by spot welding.
Afterwards, the stent is polished, either mechanically or
electrochemically.
It is an object of this invention to provide an
apparatus for fabricating a stent, comprising:
a) a platform adapted to receive a flat sheet of metal
to be formed into the stmt, the flat sheet of metal having a
longitudinal axis, a first major surface, a second major
surface, a first long side, and a second long side, the first
and the second long sides substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the sheet;
b) a mandrel having a substantially cylindrical
external surface and having a first end and a second end
defining a longitudinal axis, the mandrel sized to have a
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cross-sectional diameter substantially equal to or less than
the internal diameter of the stmt to be'fabricated;
c) means for securing the mandrel against a major
surface of the flat sheet of metal; and
d) means for deforming the flat sheet of metal against
the external surface of the mandrel so that the flat sheet of
metal is deformed into a substantially tubular shape, the
means for deforming adapted so that the first long side and
the second long side remain substantially parallel to each
other when the flat sheet of metal is deformed into the
tubular shape.
It is another object of this invention to provide
and apparatus for fabricating a stmt, comprising:
a) a base having a platform adapted to receive a flat
sheet of metal to be formed into the stmt, the flat sheet of
metal having a longitudinal axis, a first major surface, a
second major surface, a first long side, and a second long
side, the first and the second long sides substantially
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stmt;
b) a mandrel having a substantially cylindrical
external surface and having a first end and a second end
defining a longitudinal axis, the mandrel sized to have a
cross-sectional diameter substantially equal to or less than
the internal diameter of the stmt to be fabricated;
c) means for securing the mandrel against a major
surface of the flat sheet of metal;
d) a plurality of deforming blades disposed around the
periphery of the mandrel for deforming the flat sheet of metal
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against the external surface of~the mandrel so that the flat
sheet of metal is deformed into a substantially tubular shape,
the blades disposed between the first.end and the second end
of the mandrel, each of the deforming blades adapted for
independent and selective movement in a first direction toward
the mandrel and a second direction away from the mandrel so as
to selectively impinge upon the mandrel or upon a portion of
the sheet disposed between the mandrel and each of the
deforming blades, each of the deforming blades further adapted
so that the first long side and the second long side of the
sheet remain substantially parallel to each other when the
stmt is deformed into the tubular shape;
e) means for selectively moving each of the deforming
blades in a first direction toward the mandrel and in a second
direction away from the mandrel; and
f) means for securing the first long side of the sheet
to the second long side of the sheet.
It is yet another object of this invention to
provide an apparatus for fabricating a stmt, comprising:
means for securing the first long side of the sheet to the
second long side of the sheet.
It is still another object of this invention to
provide an apparatus for fabricating a stmt, comprising:
a) a base;
b) a sheet receiving area disposed on the base, the
area adapted to receive a flat sheet of metal to be formed
into the stmt, the flat sheet of metal having a longitudinal
axis, a first major surface, a second major surface, a first
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long side, and a second long side, the first and the second
long sides substantially parallel to the'longitudinal axis;
c) an arm having a first end and a second end, the
first end of the arm adapted to selectively retain a mandrel
having a substantially cylindrical external surface, the
second end of the arm hingedly connected to the base and
adapted for movement in a first direction toward the base and
in a second direction away from the base and further adapted
to secure the mandrel against a major surface of the flat
sheet of metal disposed on the stmt receiving area disposed
on the base, the mandrel sized to have a cross-sectional
diameter substantially equal to or less than the internal
cross-sectional diameter of the stmt to be fabricated;
d) means for deforming the flat piece of metal against
the external surface of the mandrel so that the flat sheet of
metal is deformed into a substantially tubular shape
substantially conforming to the external surface of the
mandrel with the first long side and the second long side
substantially parallel to each other.
It is yet another object of this invention to
provide a stmt aligning and welding jig comprising:
a) a base having a first end and a second end, a first
wall having a first end and a second end and a first major
surface and a second major surface; a second wall having a
first end and a second end and a first major surface and a
second major surface, the second major surface of the first
wall and the first major surface of the second wall defining a
longitudinal U-shaped channel having a longitudinal axis in
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the base, the first wall provided with a plurality of slots
defining a plurality of first clamping portions having a top
end and a bottom end and a first major surface and a second
major surface, each of the first clamping portions provided
with a first concave channel disposed at the top end of the
second major surface of the first clamping portion and a
second concave channel disposed at the bottom end of the
second major surface of the first clamping portion, the first
and the second concave channels substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the U-shaped channel; the first wall of
each of the plurality of first clamping portions provided with
a compensation slit disposed between the first concave channel
and the second concave channel, the compensation slit
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the U-
shaped channel;
b) a plurality of second clamping portions disposed in
the U-shaped channel between the second major surface of the
first wall and the first major surface of the second wall,
each of the second clamping portions disposed in registry with
one of the first clamping portions, each of the second
clamping portions having a top end, a bottom end, a first
major surface, a second major surface, a first minor surface
disposed at the top end, a second minor surface disposed at
the bottom end, a third minor surface disposed between the top
end and the bottom end, and a fourth minor surface disposed
opposite the third minor surface between the top end and the
bottom end, each of the second clamping portions provided with
a first concave channel disposed at the top end of the first
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major surface of the second clamping portion and a second
concave channel disposed at the bottom end of. the first major
surface of the second clamping portion, the first and the
second concave channels substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the U-shaped channel;
c) a biasing means disposed between the first major
surface of the second wall and the second major surface of
each of the plurality of second clamping portions for biasing
the first major surface of each of the second clamping
portions against the second major surface of each of the first
clamping portions which are in registry with each other;
d) a first mandrel support lever positioning pin
projecting from the third minor surface and a second mandrel
support lever positioning pin projecting from the fourth minor
surface of each of the second clamping portions, the mandre l
support lever positioning pins substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the U-shaped channel;
e) a biasing control means for selectively controlling
the distance between the second major surface of each of the
first clamping portions and the first major surface of each of
the second clamping portions;
f) a retaining mandrel disposed in the second concave
channel of the first wall and the second concave channel in
each of the second clamping portions; and
g) a mandrel support lever for supporting the stmt
during the alignment of the first long side of the sheet with
the second long side of the sheet, the lever provided with a
first mandrel support notch for supporting the first end of
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the mandrel, a second mandrel support notch for supporting the
second end of the mandrel, a first mandrel support lever
positioning pin engagement surface for engaging the first
r mandrel support lever positioning pin and a second mandrel
support lever positioning pin engagement surface for engaging
the second mandrel support lever positioning pin when the
mandrel support lever is disposed on the second wall.
It is still another object of this invention to
provide a method of fabricating a stmt comprising the steps
of
a) providing a plurality of stent patterns into a
flat piece of metal, each of the patterns having a first long
side and a second long side, the first long side provided with
a plurality of pairs of engagement points, the second long
side provided with a plurality of pairs of engagement points,
the plurality of pairs of engagement points disposed
substantially opposite each other, the engagement points sized
and disposed to communicate when the pattern is deformed and
rolled into a tubular shape, each pair of the first long side
engagement points provided with a bridge disposed between each
first long side engagement point comprising the pair, the
bridge having a width that is less than the width of the other
portions of the stent;
b) disposing a mandrel having a substantially
cylindrical external surface and a longitudinal axis between
the first long side and the second long side of the sheet, the
longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first long
side and the second long side;
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c) deforming the pattern into a tubular shape so
that the first long side pairs of engagement points contact
the second long side pairs of engagement points;
d) cutting the bridge; and
e) attaching each of the engagement points to the
engagement point with which it is in contact to form the
expandable stmt .
It is yet another object of this invention to
provide a jig for electropolishing a tubular stmt,
comprising:
a) a base;
b) an electrically conductive first member having a
first end connected to the base and a second end adapted to
selectively contact the external surface of the tubular stmt
without damaging the external surface;
c) an electrically non-conductive second member having
a first end connected to the base and a second end adapted to
be selectively disposed within the longitudinal bore of the
stmt without damaging the longitudinal bore, the first member
and the second member further adapted so as to bias the second
end of the second member towards the second end of the first
member in an amount sufficient to secure the stent between the
first and the second members.
It is still another object to this invention to
provide a method of electropolishing a stmt, comprising the
steps of:
a) mounting a stmt on a rack, the rack having a first
end and a second end provided with a plurality of stmt
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electropolishing mounts, each of the mounts having a base; an
electrically conductive first member having a first end
connected to the base and a second end adapted to selectively
contact the external surface of the tubular stmt without
damaging the external surface; an electrically non-conductive
second member having a first end connected to the base and a
second end adapted to be selectively disposed within the
longitudinal bore of the stmt without damaging the
longitudinal bore, the first member and the second member
further adapted so as to bias the second end of the second
member towards the second end of the first member in an amount
sufficient to secure the stmt between the first and the
second members;
b) immersing the stmt in an electropolishing bath and
applying electrical current to the first member for a
predetermined period of time; and
c) changing the point where the second end of the first
member contacts the external surface of the stmt prior to the
expiration of the predetermined period of time.
It is yet another object of this invention to
provide a method of fabricating a stmt comprising the steps
of
a) providing a plurality of stmt patterns in a
flat sheet of metal; each of the patterns having a first long
side and a second long side, the first long side provided with
a plurality of pairs of engagement points, the second long
side provided with a plurality of pairs of engagement points,
the plurality of pairs of engagement points disposed
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substantially opposite each other, the engagement points sized
and disposed to communicate when the pattern is deformed and
rolled into a tubular shape, each pair of the first long side
engagement points provided with a bridge disposed between each
first long side engagement point comprising the pair, the
bridge having a width that is less than the width of the other
portions of the stent;
b) disposing a mandrel having a substantially
cylindrical external surface and a longitudinal axis between
the first long side and the second long side of the sheet, the
longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first and the
second long sides;
c) deforming the pattern into a tubular shape so
that the first long side pairs of engagement points contact
the second long side pairs of engagement points and allowing a
portion of the stmt to remain attached to the sheet of metal;
d) cutting the bridge;
e) attaching each of the engagement points to the
engagement point with which it is in contact to form the
stmt ;
f) attaching an electrode to the sheet of metal;
g) electropolishing the stmt; and
f) disconnecting the stmt from the sheet.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a
sheet for fabricating a stmt having a longitudinal lumen:
a) a flat piece of sheet metal provided with a
plurality of stmt patterns, each of the patterns having a
first long side and a second long side, the first long side
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provided with a plurality of pairs of engagement points, the
second long side provided with a plurality of pairs of
engagement points, the plurality of pairs of engagement points
disposed substantially opposite each other, the engagement
points sized and disposed to communicate when the pattern is
deformed and rolled into a tubular shape, each pair of the
first long side engagement points provided with a bridge
disposed between each first long side engagement point
comprising the pair, the bridge having a width that is less
than the width of the other portions of the stmt.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a
method for fabricating a stmt having a longitudinal lumen
comprising the steps of:
a.) constructing an apparatus comprising:
a) a laser housing;
b) a laser disposed within and selectively movable
within the housing;
c) a movable table having a first end and a second end
and adapted for selective movement into and out of the laser
housing the table adapted so that when the first end of the
table is disposed within the laser housing the second end of
the table is disposed outside of the housing and when the
second end of the table is disposed within the laser housing
the first end of the table is disposed outside of the laser
housing;
d) a plurality of stmt folders disposed at the first
end of the table and a plurality of stmt folders disposed at
the second end of the table, each of the stmt folders
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comprising:
a) a base having a platform adapted to receive a
flat sheet of metal to be formed into the stmt, the flat
sheet of metal having a longitudinal axis, a first major
surface, a second major surface, a first long side, and a
second long side, the first and the second long sides
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, the
sheet provided with a plurality of alignment of
apertures;
b) a plurality of alignment pins projecting from
each of the platforms, the pins sized to engage the
alignment apertures and align the sheet on the platform;
c) a mandrel having a substantially cylindrical
external surface and having a first end, a second end,
and a longitudinal axis, the mandrel sized to have a
cross-sectional diameter substantially equal to or less
than the internal diameter of the stmt to be fabricated,
the platform provided with a first concave recess adapted
to receive the first end of the mandrel and a second
concave recess adapted to receive the second end of the
mandrel;
d) a hingedly connected arm adapted for movement
in a first direction toward the platform and in a second
direction away from the platform for securing the mandrel
against a major surface of the flat sheet of metal;
e) a first deforming blade provided with a first
deforming blade tip; a second deforming blade provided
with a second deforming blade tip; a third deforming
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blade provided with a third deforming blade tip; a fourth
deforming blade provided with a fourth deforming blade
tip; a fifth deforming blade provided with a fifth
deforming blade tip; and a sixth deforming blade provided
with a sixth deforming blade tip, the blades disposed
around the external surface of the mandrel, the deforming
blade tips adapted to deform the flat sheet of metal
against the external surface of the mandrel so that the
flat sheet of metal is deformed into a substantially
tubular shape substantially conforming to the external
surface, the deforming blades disposed between the first
end and the second end of the mandrel, each of the
deforming blades adapted for independent and selective
movement in a first direction toward the mandrel and a
second direction away from the mandrel so as to
selectively impinge the deforming blade tips against the
mandrel or against a portion of the sheet disposed
between the mandrel and each of the deforming blade tips,
each of the deforming blades further adapted so that the
first long side and the second long side of the sheet
remain substantially parallel to each other when the
stmt is deformed into the tubular shape, the third and
the sixth deforming blade tips provided with a plurality
of scalloped laser apertures, the apertures sized and
disposed to permit the third and the sixth deforming
blade tips to secure the first long side and the second
long side against the external surface of the mandrel
while providing the laser access to predetermined
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portions of the first long side and the second long side
of the sheet in order to weld the first long side to the
second long side;
f) a first motor connected to the first deforming
blade; a second motor connected to the second deforming
blade; a third motor connected to the third deforming
blade; a fourth motor connected to the fourth deforming
blade; a fifth motor connected to the fifth deforming
blade; and a sixth motor connected to the sixth deforming
blade, each of the motors adapted for selectively moving
each of the deforming blades to which it is connected in
a first direction toward the mandrel and in a second
direction away from the mandrel; and
g) a computer for controlling: the sequence which
the first end of the table and the second end of the
table are disposed within the laser housing; for
controlling the sequence and degree to which each of the
plurality of deforming blade tips impinges upon the
mandrel or a portion of the sheet disposed between the
mandrel and each of the deforming blade tips; and for
controlling the sequence, pattern, location, and amount
of energy the laser applies to each of the first and the
second long sides of each of the sheets disposed on each
of the plurality of stmt folders;
b.) cutting a plurality of stmt patterns into a flat piece
of metal, each of the patterns having a first major surface
and a second major surface, a first long side and a second
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
long side, the first long side provided with a plurality of
pairs of engagement points, the second long side provided with
a plurality of pairs of engagement points, the plurality of
pairs of engagement points disposed substantially opposite
each other, the engagement points sized and disposed to
communicate when the pattern is deformed and rolled into a
tubular shape, each pair of the first long side engagement
points provided with a bridge disposed between each first long
side engagement point comprising the pair, the bridge having a
width that is less than the width of the other portions of the
stmt, the sheet provided with a plurality of alignment
apertures sized and disposed to engage the alignment pins on
the base;
c.) disposing the sheet on the base so that the first major
surface of the sheet is in contact with the base;
d.) disposing a mandrel having a substantially cylindrical
external surface arid a longitudinal axis against the second
major surface of the sheet between the first long side and the
second long side of the sheet, the longitudinal axis
substantially parallel to the first long side and the second
long side;
e.) deforming the pattern into a tubular shape so that the
first long side pairs of engagement points contact the second
long side pairs of engagement points the deforming step
comprising the steps of:
a) actuating the sixth deforming blade motor so
that the sixth deforming blade motor moves the sixth
deforming blade in the first direction in an amount
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S sufficient for the sixth deforming blade tip to
contact the external surface of the mandrel so as to
secure the mandrel against the sheet;
b) actuating the first deforming blade motor so
that the first blade deforming motor moves the first
deforming blade in the first direction in an amount
sufficient for the first blade deforming tip to
contact the first major surface of the sheet and
deform the sheet against the external surface of the
mandrel;
c) actuating the second deforming blade motor so
that the second deforming blade motor moves the
second deforming blade in the first direction in an
amount sufficient for the second deforming blade tip
to contact the first major surface of the sheet and
deform the sheet against the external surface of the
mandrel;
d) actuating the third deforming blade motor so
that the third deforming blade motor moves the
second deforming blade in the first direction in an
amount sufficient for the third deforming blade tip
to contact the first major surface of the sheet and
deform the sheet against the external surface of the
mandrel while actuating the sixth deforming blade
motor so that the sixth deforming blade moves in the
second direction away from the mandrel;
e) actuating the fourth deforming blade motor so
that the fourth deforming blade motor moves the
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fourth deforming blade tip in the first direction in
an amount sufficient for the fourth. deforming blade
tip to contact the first major surface of the sheet
and deform the sheet against the external surface of
the mandrel;
f) actuating the fifth deforming blade motor so
that the fifth deforming blade motor moves the fifth
deforming blade in the first direction in an amount
sufficient for the fifth deforming blade tip to
contact the first major surface of the sheet and
deform the sheet against the external surface of the
mandrel;
g) actuating the sixth deforming blade motor so
that the sixth deforming blade motor moves the
second deforming blade in the first direction in an
amount sufficient for the second deforming blade tip
to contact the first major surface of the sheet and
deform the sheet against the external surface of the
mandrel;
h) simultaneously actuating the third and sixth
deforming blade motors so that the third and sixth
deforming blade motors move the third and sixth
deforming blades in the first direction in an amount
sufficient for the third and sixth deforming blade
tips to contact the first major surface of the sheet
and deform the sheet against the external surface of
the mandrel;
d) utilizing the laser in cutting the bridge; and
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e) utilizing the laser in welding each of the engagement
points to the engagement point with which it is in contact to
form the expandable stent.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a
stent having a longitudinal lumen, comprising: a first long
side and a second long side, the first long side provided with
a plurality of pairs of engagement points, the second long
side provided with a plurality of pairs of engagement points,
the plurality of pairs of first long side engagement points
and the plurality of pairs of second long side engagement
points disposed substantially opposite each other and
connected to each other via a weld, the weld wider than the
other portions of the stmt.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be understood and
appreciated more fully from the following detailed description
taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a flow chart illustration of the stmt
fabrication method of the present invention;
Figs. 2A, 2B and 2C are illustrations of three
alternative stent patterns to be etched, in accordance with
the method of Fig. 1, into a flat sheet of metal;
Fig. 3 is an isometric illustration of a stent being
deformed, useful in understanding the method of Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 is an isometric illustration of a stmt
formed from the method of Fig. 1;
Figs. 5A and 5B are side and top view illustrations,
respectively, of one connection location of the stmt of Fig.
4; Fig. 6 is a side view illustration of one connection
location of the stmt of Fig. 4 which is connected in a nail-
like manner;
Fig. 7 shows a piece of sheet metal with a plurality
of patterns made in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 8 shows a detailed view of one of the patterns
shown in Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 shows a detailed view of a pair of engagement
troughs shown in Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 shows a detailed view of a pair of engaging
protrusions shown in Fig. 8;
Fig. 11 shows the engagement troughs and engagement
protrusions of Figs. 9 and 10 in the engaged position;
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Fig. 12 shows a welding run practiced in accordance
with the invention;
Fig. 13 is a detailed view of the welding run shown
in Fig. 12;
Fig. 14 is a detailed view of a cell of a st mt made
in accordance with this invention;
Fig. 15 is a detailed view of a cell made in
accordance with this invention;
Fig. 16 shows a cell of a stmt made in accordance
with this invention;
Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of the cell shown in
Fig. 16;
Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a longitudinal
member of a stmt constructed in accordance with this
invention;
Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a stmt
constructed in accordance with this invention;
Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a stmt constructed
in accordance with this invention;
Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional front view of an
unexpanded stmt made in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional front view of the stmt
shown in Fig. 21 after it has been expanded;
Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional front view of an
unexpanded stmt made by cutting a pattern in a tube; and
Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional front view of the stmt
shown in Fig. 23 after expansion;
Fig. 25 shows an apparatus for constructing a stmt
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made in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 26 shows an apparatus for'constructing a stent
made in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 27 is an enlarged view of a portion of the
apparatus shown in FIG. 26;
Fig. 28 shows engagement points constructed in
accordance with the invention;
Fig. 29 show engagement points constructed in
accordance with the invention;
Fig. 30A to 30I shows the sequence of making a stmt
using the apparatus of FIGS. 25 and 26;
Fig. 31 shows details of a v-shaped notch and gap
formed in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 32 shows details of two blade deforming tips
made in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 33 shows an alternative embodiment of
engagement of engagement points constructed in accordance with
the invention;
Fig. 34 shows an alternative embodiment of
engagement points constructed in accordance with the
invention;
Fig. 35 shows a mandrel utilized in accordance with
the invention;
Fig. 36 shows a mandrel receiving surface made in
accordance with the invention;
Fig. 37 shows an alternative embodiment of an
apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 38 is a top view of FIG. 37.;
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Fig. 39 shows a means for deforming a stmt made in
accordance with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 37 and 38;
Fig. 40 is a side view of the deforming means shown
in FIG. 39;
Fig. 41 shows a stmt aligning and welding jig
constructed in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 42 shows a mandrel support lever;
Fig. 43 is a front view of the jig shown in FIG. 41;
Fig. 44 is a top view of the jig shown in FIG. 43;
Fig. 45 shows the mandrel support lever of FIG. 42
disposed on the jig of FIG. 41;
Fig. 46 shows a mount for electropolishing a stmt;
Fig. 47 shows the mount of FIG. 46 with the stmt
moved in a longitudinal direction;
Fig. 48 shows a rack for electropolishing a stmt
with material to be sacrificed disposed at the ends;
Fig. 49 shows a stmt still attached to a metal
sheet for electropolishing by attaching an electrode to the
sheet; and
Fig. 50 is a side view of FIG. 49 showing the stmt
and the remaining portion of the sheet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Reference is now made~to Fig. 1, which illustrates
the stmt fabrication method of the present invention and to
Figs. 2A, 2B, 2C, 3 and 4 which are useful in understanding
the method of Fig. 1.
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In the stmt fabrication method of the present
invention, a stmt designer first prepares a drawing of the
desired stmt pattern in a flat format (step 10).
Figs. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate three exemplary stmt
pattern designs. The pattern of Fig. 2A has two types of
sections 20 and 22. Each section 20 has two opposing periodic
patterns and each section 22 has a plurality of connecting
lines 24. The pattern of Fig. 2A can be formed of any size; a
preferable size is to have each section 20 be between 1 and
6mm wide and each section 22 have connecting lines 24 of 1 -
6mm long. At such sizes, the pattern of Fig. 2A cannot be cut
using a laser cutting system.
The pattern of Fig. 2B is similar to that of Fig.
2A in that it also has sections 20 of opposing periodic
patterns. The pattern of Fig. 2B also has connecting
sections, labeled 30, which have a Z shape.
The pattern of Fig. 2C has no connecting sections.
Instead, it has a series of alternating patterns, labeled 32
and 34.
The patterns of Figs. 2A, 2B and 2C optionally also
have a plurality of small protrusions 38 which are useful in
forming the stmt, as described hereinbelow.
Returning to Fig. 1, in step 12, the stent pattern
is cut into a flat piece of metal ("sheet metal"). The metal
can be any type of biocompatible material, such as stainless
steel, or a material which is plated with a biocompatible
material. The cutting operation can be implemented in any of
a number of ways, such as by etching, or by cutting with a
24
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
fine cutting tool, or by cutting with a very fine laser,
should one become commercially available.
If step 12 is implemented with etching, then, the
process is designed to cut through the sheet metal. This
process is known; however, for the purposes of completeness,
it will be briefly described hereinbelow.
The drawing of the pattern is reduced and printed
onto a transparent film. Since it is desired to cut
completely through the metal, the drawing is printed onto two
films which are joined together in a few places along their
edges. The sheet metal is covered, on both sides, with a
layer of photoresist and placed between the two transparent,
printed films. The structure is illuminated on both sides
which causes the portions of the photoresist which receive the
light (which are all the empty spaces in the pattern, such as
spaces 26 of Fig. 2A) to change properties.
The sheet metal is placed into acid which eats away
those portions of the photoresist which changes properties.
The sheet metal is then placed into an etching solution which
etches
away all material on which there is no photoresist-removing
solution which removes the photoresist, leaving the metal
having the desired stmt pattern.
In step 14, the metal pattern is deformed so as to
cause its long sides (labeled 28 in Figs. 2A, 2B and 2C) to
meet each other. Fig. 3 illustrates the deformation process.
For cylindrical stents, the deformation process is a rolling
process, as shown.
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
If the protrusions 38~have been produced, after
deformation of the metal pattern, the protrusions 38 protrude
over the edge 28 to which they are not attached. This is
illustrated in Fig. 5A.
In step 16, the edges 28 are joined together by any
suitable process, such as spot welding. If the protrusions 38
were made, the protrusions 38 are joined to the opposite edge
28, either by welding, adhesive or, as illustrated in Fig. 6,
with a nail-like element 40. Fig. 5B illustrates the
connection of the protrusion to the opposite edge 28. Since
protrusion 38 is typically designed to extend the width of one
loop 39, the pattern in approximately preserved. This is seen
in Fig. 5B.
Alternatively, the edges 28 can be brought together
and joined in the appropriate places.
Fig. 4 illustrates a stmt 31 formed by the process
of steps 10 - 16 for the pattern of Fig. 2A. It is noted that
such a stmt has connection points 32 formed by the joining of
the points 30.
Finally, the stmt 31 is polished to remove any
excess material not properly removed by the cutting process
(step 12). The polishing can be performed mechanically, by
rubbing a polishing stick having diamond dust on its outside
inside the stmt 31. Alternatively, an electropolishing unit
can be utilized.
Fig. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the
invention in which a plurality of patterns 120 are etched and
cut into the sheet metal 121 as previously discussed. Fig. 8
is an enlarged view of one of the plurality of patterns 120
26
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
shown in Fig. 7.
Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of one pair 127 of the
plurality of engagement troughs 128 and 129 shown in Fig. 8.
Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of one pair 130 of the plurality
of engagement protrusions 131 and 132 shown in Fig. 8. The
sheet metal 121 and each of the patterns 120 is provided with
a plurality of alignment apertures 122 and 122' adapted to
receive sprockets (not shown) for precisely moving and
maintaining the precise alignment of the sheet metal 121 and
the patterns 120 during the various stages of manufacturing.
Each pattern 120 has a first long side 123 and a second long
side 124, a first short side 125, and a second short side 126.
The first long side 123 is provided with a plurality of pairs
127, 127' and 127" of engagement troughs 128 and 129 (shown in
greater detail in Fig. 9). Each pair 127, 127' and 127" of
engagement troughs has a first engagement trough 128 and a
second engagement trough 129. The second long side 124 is
provided with a plurality of pairs 130, 130' and 130" of
engagement protrusions (shown in greater detail in Fig. 10).
Each pair 130, 130' and 130" of engagement protrusions is
provided with a first engagement protrusion 131 and a second
engagement protrusion 132. The pairs of engagement
protrusions 130, 130' and 130" are disposed substantially
opposite the pairs of engagement troughs 127, 127' and 127".
The engagement troughs 128 and 129 are disposed and
adapted to receive and engage the engagement protrusions 131
and 132 so that the alignment of the stmt is maintained when
the pattern 120 is deformed and the flat sheet metal is rolled
27
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
so that the first long side 123 and the second long side 124
meet each other to form a tube as shown in Figs. 19 and 20.
A bridge 133 of material is disposed between each
pair 127, 127' and 127" of engagement troughs 128 and 129.
This bridge 133 imparts additional stability and facilitates
alignment during manufacturing and imparts additional strength
to the welds of the finished stmt as discussed below.
After the sheet has been rolled into a tubular stmt
and the engagement troughs 128 and 129 have received the
engagement protrusions 131 and 132, means (not shown) are
utilized to maintain the alignment and the bridge 133 is cut
to leave two substantially equal parts. The bridge 133 may be
cut in a variety of ways well known to those skilled in the
art, however, in a preferred embodiment, a laser is utilized.
Engagement trough 128 is welded to engagement protrusion 131
and engagement trough 129 is welded to engagement protrusion
132 as shown in Figs. 12 and 13. This may be accomplished in
a variety of ways well known to those skilled in the art,
however, in a preferred embodiment a plurality of spot welds
are utilized. In an especially preferred embodiment, about
five spot welds are used in each weld run as shown in Figs. 12
and 13. The heat produced by the welding melts the cut bridge
133 material and the material is drawn towards the engagement
trough 128 or 129 to which the material is attached and is
drawn into the welded area between the engagement trough and
the engagement protrusion where the additional bridge material
becomes part of and imparts additional strength to the weld.
The stmt may then be finished as previously discussed.
28
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of the welded area shown
in Fig. 12. In a preferred embodiment, the weld run is offset
from the point where the engagement trough and the engagement
protrusion contact each other. In an especially preferred
embodiment, the weld run is offset about .O1 mm.
Fig. 14 is a detailed view of the pattern shown in
Fig. 8. As shown in Figs. 14 and 20, Applicants' invention
can also be described as an expandable stmt defining a
longitudinal aperture 80 having a longitudinal axis or
extension 79 and a circumferential axis or extension 105,
including a plurality of flexible connected cells 50 with each
of the flexible cells 50 having a first longitudinal end 77
and a second longitudinal end 78. Each cell 50 also is
provided with a first longitudinal apex 100 disposed at the
first longitudinal end 77 and a second longitudinal apex 104
disposed at the second longitudinal end 78. Each cell 50 also
includes a first member 51 having a longitudinal component
having a first end 52 and a second end 53; a second member 54
having a longitudinal component having a first end 55 and a
second end 56; a third member 57 having a longitudinal
component having a first end 58 and a second end 59; and a
fourth member 60 having a longitudinal component having a
first end 61 and a second end 62. The stent also includes a
first loop 63 defining a first angle 64 disposed between the
first end 52 of the first member 51 and the first end 55 of
the second member 54. A second loop 65 defining a second
angle 66 is disposed between the second end 59 of the third
member 57 and the second end 62 of the fourth member 60 and is
29
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
disposed generally opposite to the first loop 63. A first
flexible compensating member or flexible'link 67 having a
first end 68 and a second end 69 is disposed between the first
member 51 and the third member 57 with the first end 68 of the
first flexible compensating member or flexible link 67
communicating with the second end 53 of the first member 51
and the second end 69 of the first flexible compensating
member or flexible link 67 communicating with the first end 58
of the third member 57. The first end 68 and the second end
69 are disposed a variable longitudinal distance 70 from each
other. A second flexible compensating member 71 having a
first end 72 and a second end 73 is disposed between the
second member 54 and the fourth member 60. The first end 72
of the second flexible compensating member or flexible link 71
communicates with the second end 56 of the second member 54
and the second end 73 of the second flexible compensating
member or flexible link 71 communicates with the first end 61
of the fourth member 60. The first end 72 and the second end
73 are disposed a variable longitudinal distance 74 from each
other. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second
flexible compensating member or flexible links 67 and 71 are
arcuate. The first and second flexible compensating member or
flexible links 67 and 71 are differentially extendable or
compressible when the stent is bent in a curved direction away
from the longitudinal axis 79 of the aperture 80. (Shown in
Fig. 20.) The first member 51, second member 54, third member
57, and fourth member 60 and the first loop 63 and the second
loop 65 and the first flexible compensating member or flexible
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
link 67 and the second flexible compensating member or
flexible link 71 are disposed so that as~the stmt is expanded
the distance between the first flexible compensating member or
flexible link 67 and the second flexible compensating member
or flexible link 71 increases and the longitudinal component
of the first member 51, second member 54, third member 57 and
fourth member 60 decreases while the first loop 63 and the
second loop 65 remain generally opposite to one another, the
ends 68 and 69 of the first flexible compensating member or
flexible link 67 and the ends 72 and 73 of the second flexible
compensating member or flexible link 71 open so as to increase
the variable longitudinal distance 70 between the first end 68
and the second end 69 of the first flexible compensating
member or flexible link 67 and so as to increase the variable
longitudinal distance 74 between the first end 72 and the
second end 73 of the second flexible compensating member or
flexible link 71. This compensates for the decreasing of the
longitudinal component of the first member 51, second member
54, third member 57, and fourth member 60 and substantially
lessens the foreshortening of the stmt upon its expansion.
Upon expansion, the first flexible compensating member 67 and
the second flexible compensating member 71 impart support to
the lumen being treated.
Fig. 15 shows the dimensions of an especially
preferred embodiment of this invention. The deflection
points, i.e., the first and second loops 63 and 65 and the
first and second compensating members 67 and 71, are made
wider than the first, second, third, and fourth members 51,
31
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
54, 57 and 60 so that the force~of the deflection is
distributed over a wider area upon the expansion of the stmt.
The deflection points can be made wider than the first,
second, third and fourth members in differing amounts so that
the deflection will occur in the narrower areas first due to
the decreased resistance. In a preferred embodiment, the
first and second compensating members are wider than the
first, second, third and fourth members and the first and
second loops are wider than the first and second compensating
members. One of the advantages of sizing the first and second
loops so that they are wider than the first and second
compensating members is that the stmt will substantially
compensate for foreshortening as the stmt is expanded. In
the embodiment shown in Fig. 15, the first, second, third and
fourth members 51, 54, 57 and 60 have a width of about 0.1 mm.
The first and second loops 63 and 65 have a width of about
0.14 mm. The first and second compensating members 67 and 71
are provided with a thickened portion 75 and 76 having a width
of about 0.12 mm. Thus, in this especially preferred
embodiment, the first and second loops have a width that is
about 40% greater and the first and second compensating
members have a width that is about 20o greater than the width
of the first, second, third and fourth members.
Figs. 16 through 20 show details of a stmt
constructed in accordance with this invention.
Yet another advantage of Applicant's invention is
shown in Figs. 21 to 24. For the sake of clarity, the
dimensions and the degree of displacement of the components of
32
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
the stems shown in Figs. 21 to~24 has been intentionally
exaggerated.
Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional front view taken along
line A-A of the unexpanded stent made in accordance with
applicants invention shown in Fig. 20. The unexpanded stent
200 of Fig. 21 is shown disposed in the lumen 202 of a blood
vessel 201 prior to expansion. As previously discussed, this
stmt is made by first cutting the stent pattern into a flat
piece of sheet metal and then rolling the sheet metal into a
tube to form the tubular stent. As shown in Fig. 21 after
rolling, the first and second flexible compensating members 67
and 71 of the unexpanded stmt tend to "flare out" in a
direction away from the longitudinal axis or lumen of the
stent. Thus, the flexible compensating members 67 and 71
define outer diameters which are larger than the outer
diameters defined by the remaining portions of the stent.
Fig. 22 shows the stmt of Fig. 21 after it has been expanded
in the lumen and against the internal wall of the blood
vessel. As shown in Fig. 22, upon expansion of the unexpanded
stent toward the wall of the blood vessels, the walls of the
blood vessel imparts a mechanical force to the first and
second flexible compensating members 67 and 71 and the
compensating members move toward the longitudinal axis or
lumen of the stmt until they are substantially in registry
with the remaining portion of the stmt. Thus, the lumen of
the expanded stmt is substantially circular when viewed in
cross section with substantially no portion of the expanded
stent projecting into the lumen or towards the longitudinal
33
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
axis of the expanded stmt.
Fig. 23 is similar to Fig. 21 except that the
pattern has been cut into a tubular member using conventional
methods of making stents. As shown in Fig. 23, the flexible
compensating members do not flare out away from the
longitudinal axis of the unexpanded stmt 203. Upon the
expansion of the stent shown in Fig. 23 toward the walls of
the blood vessel 201, the flexible compensating members 67'
and 71' tend to "flare in" and project into the lumen 204 of
the expanded stmt 203.
Fig. 24 shows the stmt 203 of Fig. 23 after it has
been expanded in a lumen 204 of a blood vessel 201. The
flexible compensating members 67' and 71' are not in registry
with the remaining portions of the stmt and define a diameter
smaller than the diameter of remaining portions of the stmt.
These projections into the lumen of the stmt create
turbulence in a fluid flowing through the longitudinal axis of
the expanded stent and could result in clot formation.
Applicant's invention is also directed to an
apparatus for fabricating a stmt, comprising a platform, a
mandrel, and means for deforming a sheet of metal around the
mandrel.
The platform is adapted to receive a flat sheet of
metal to be formed into a stmt. In a preferred embodiment,
the flat sheet of metal is prouided with a first end, a second
end defining a longitudinal axis, a first major surface, a
second major surface, a first long side, a second long side,
with the first and said second long sides substantially
34
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sheet. The mandrel
has a substantially cylindrical external'surface and a first
end and a second end defining a longitudinal axis. The
mandrel is sized to have a cross-sectional diameter
substantially equal to or less than the internal diameter of a
stmt to be fabricated. A means for securing the mandrel
against a major surface of the flat sheet of metal is
provided. A means for deforming the flat sheet of metal
around the external surface of the mandrel is also provided to
deform the flat sheet of metal into a substantially tubular
shape that substantially conforms to the external surface of
the mandrel. In a preferred embodiment, the means for
deforming the sheet is adapted so that the first long side and
the second long side remain substantially parallel to each
other when the flat sheet of metal is deformed into a tubular
shape. A means, e.g., a welding apparatus, laser, adhesive,
or screw secures the first long side of the sheet to the
second long side of the sheet.
In operation of a preferred embodiment a plurality
of stmt patterns are cut or etched into a flat piece of
metal. Each of the patterns has a first long side and a
second long side, with the first long side provided with a
plurality of pairs of engagement points and second long side
provided with a plurality of pairs of engagement points. The
plurality of pairs of engagement points are disposed
substantially opposite each other and are sized and disposed
to communicate when the pattern is deformed and rolled into a
tubular shape. Each pair of the first long side engagement
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
points is provided with a bridge disposed between each first
long side engagement point comprising the pair, the bridge
having a~width that is less than the width of the other
portions of the stmt .
A mandrel is disposed between the first and second
long sides of the sheet. The mandrel has a substantially
cylindrical external surface and a longitudinal axis
substantially parallel to the first long side and the second
long sides. The pattern is deformed into a tubular shape so
that the first long side pairs of engagement points contact
the second long side pairs of engagement points.
The bridge is cut and each of the engagement points
is attached to the engagement point with which it is in
contact to form the expandable stmt.
Figs. 25 to 28 show a preferred embodiment of an
apparatus for fabricating and a stmt constructed in
accordance with Applicants' invention. The apparatus
comprises a laser housing 300, a laser 301, a movable table
302, and a plurality of stent folders 303 disposed on the
table. The laser 301 is disposed within and selectively
movable within the housing 300. The movable table 302 has a
first end 304 and a second end 305 and is adapted for
selective movement into and out of the laser housing 300. The
table 302 is adapted so that when the first end 304 of the
table 302 is disposed within the laser housing 300 the second
end of the table 305 is disposed outside of said housing 300
and when said second end 305 of the table 302 is disposed
within the laser housing 300 the first end 304 of the table
36
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
302 is disposed outside of the laser housing 300.
A plurality of stmt folders 303 is disposed at the
first end 304 of the table and a plurality of stmt folders
303 is disposed at the second end 305 of the table 302. As
shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, each of said stent folders
comprises:
A base 306 having a platform 307 adapted to receive
a flat sheet of metal 120 to be formed into a stent. The
flat sheet of metal 120 has a longitudinal axis, a first
major surface, a second major surface, a first long side,
and a second long side, with the first and the second
long sides substantially parallel to the longitudinal
axis. The sheet is also provided with a plurality of
alignment of apertures 122.
A plurality of alignment pins 308 project from each
of the platforms. The pins 308 are sized to engage the
alignment apertures 122 and align the sheet on the
platform 307.
A mandrel 309 is provided having a substantially
cylindrical external surface 310 and having a first end
311, a second end 312, and a longitudinal axis 313 as
shown in FIGS. 35. The mandrel 309 is sized to have a
cross-sectional diameter D substantially equal to or less
than the internal diameter of the stmt to be fabricated.
The platform 307 is provided with a first concave recess
314 adapted to receive the first end 311 of the mandrel
and a second concave recess 315 adapted to receive the
second end 312 of the mandrel 309 as shown in FIG. 36.
37
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
S A hingedly connected arm 376 is adapted for movement
in a first direction toward the platform 307 and in a
second direction away from the platform 307 for securing
the mandrel 309 against a major surface of said flat
sheet of metal when it is disposed on the platform.
Each stmt folder 303 is provided with a first
deforming blade 316 provided with a first deforming blade
tip 316'; a second deforming blade 317 provided with a
second deforming blade tip 317'; a third deforming blade
318 provided with a third deforming blade tip 318'; a
fourth deforming blade 319 provided with a fourth
deforming blade tip 319'; a fifth deforming blade 320
provided with a fifth deforming blade tip 320'; and a
sixth deforming blade 321 provided with a sixth deforming
blade tip 321'. The blades are disposed around the
external surface 310 of the mandrel 309 and are adapted
to deform the flat sheet of metal against the external
surface 310 of the mandrel 309 so that the flat sheet of
metal is deformed into a substantially tubular shape
substantially conforming to the external surface 310 of
the mandrel 309. The deforming blades are disposed
between the first end 311 and the second end 312 of the
mandrel 309. Each of the deforming blades is adapted for
independent and selective movement in a first direction
toward the mandrel 309 and a second direction away from
the mandrel so as to selectively impinge the deforming
blade tips 316', 317', 318', 319', 320', and 321' against
the mandrel or against a portion of the sheet disposed
38
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
between the mandrel and each of the deforming blade tips.
Each of the deforming blades is also adapted so that the
first long side and the second long side of the sheet
remain substantially parallel to each other when the
sheet is deformed into the tubular shape. The third and
the sixth deforming blade tips 318' and 321' are provided
with a plurality of scalloped laser apertures 322, as
shown in FIG. 32, which are sized and disposed to permit
the third and the sixth deforming blade tips to secure
the first long side and the second long side against the
external surface of the mandrel while providing the laser
301 access to predetermined portions of the first long
side and the second long side of the sheet in order to
weld the first long side to the second long side.
A first motor 323 is connected to the first
deforming blade; a second motor 324 is connected to the
second deforming blade; a third motor 325 is connected to
the third deforming blade; a fourth motor 326 is
connected to the fourth deforming blade; a fifth motor
327 is connected to the fifth deforming blade; and a
sixth motor 328 is connected to the sixth deforming
blade. Each of the motors is adapted for selectively
moving each of the deforming blades to which it is
connected in a first direction toward the mandrel and in
a second direction away from the mandrel.
A computer 329 controls the sequence which the first
end of the table and the second end of the table are
disposed within the laser housing; the sequence and
39
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
degree to which each of the deforming blade tips impinges
upon the mandrel or a portion of the sheet disposed
between the mandrel and each of the deforming blade tips;
and the sequence, pattern, location, and amount of energy
the laser applies to each of the first and second long
sides of each of the sheets disposed on each of the
plurality of stmt folders.
Each of the blade deforming tips has a length
substantially equal to the first and the second long sides of
the flat sheet of metal and in a preferred embodiment the
blade deforming tips are concave as shown in FIG. 27.
In an especially preferred embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 27 the third deforming blade tip is substantially
identical to the sixth deforming blade tip; the second
deforming blade tip is substantially identical to the fifth
deforming blade tip; and the first deforming blade tip is
substantially identical to the fourth deforming blade tip.
In operation, the apparatus shown in FIGS. 25 to 27
and discussed in detail above is constructed. A plurality of
stmt patterns is cut into a flat piece of metal, each of the
patterns having a first major surface and a second major
surface, a first long side and a second long side. The first
long side and the second long sides are provided with a
plurality of pairs of engagement points 329, 330, 331, and
332, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, disposed substantially
opposite each other and sized and disposed to communicate when
the pattern is deformed and rolled into a tubular shape. Each
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
pair of the first long side engagement points is provided with
a bridge 333 disposed between each first'long side engagement
point 329 and 330 comprising the pair. Preferably, the bridge
333 has a width that is less than the width of the other
portions of the stmt. The sheet is also provided with a
plurality of alignment apertures 122 sized and disposed to
engage the alignment pins 308 on the base 306.
The sheet is disposed on the base so that the first
major surface of the sheet is in contact with the base.
A mandrel 309 having a substantially cylindrical
external surface 310 and a longitudinal axis 313 is disposed
against the second major surface of the sheet between the
first long side and the second long side of the sheet with the
longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first long
side and the second long side, as shown in FIG 30A.
The pattern is deformed into a tubular shape so that
the first long side pairs of engagement points contact the
second long side pairs of engagement points, as shown in FIG.
29. The deforming step comprises the steps of:
a) actuating the sixth deforming blade motor so
that the sixth deforming blade motor moves the sixth
deforming blade in the first direction in an amount
sufficient for the sixth deforming blade tip to
contact the external surface of the mandrel so as to
secure the mandrel against said sheet, as shown in
FIG. 30B.
The first deforming blade motor is activated so
that the first blade deforming motor moves the first
41
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
deforming blade in the first direction in an amount
sufficient for the first blade~deforming tip to
contact the first major surface of the sheet and
deform the sheet against the external surface of the
mandrel, as shown in FIG. 30C.
The second deforming blade motor is then
activated so that the second deforming blade motor
moves the second deforming blade in the first
direction in an amount sufficient for the second
deforming blade tip to contact the first major
surface of the sheet and deform the sheet against
the external surface of the mandrel, as shown in
FIG. 30D.
The third deforming blade motor is then
activated so that the third deforming blade motor
moves the second deforming blade in the first
direction in an amount sufficient for the third
deforming blade tip to contact the first major
surface of the sheet and deform the sheet against
the external surface of the mandrel while actuating
the sixth deforming blade motor so that the sixth
deforming blade moves in the second direction away
from said mandrel, as shown in FIG. 30E.
The fourth deforming blade motor is then
activated so that the fourth deforming blade motor
moves the fourth deforming blade tip in the first
direction in an amount sufficient for the fourth
deforming blade tip to contact the first major
42
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
surface of the sheet and deform the sheet against
the external surface of the mandrel, as shown in
FIG. 30F.
The fifth deforming blade motor is then
activated so that the fifth deforming blade motor
moves the fifth deforming blade in the first
direction in an amount sufficient for the fifth
deforming blade tip to contact the first major
surface of the sheet and deform the sheet against
the external surface of the mandrel, as shown in
FIG. 30G.
The sixth deforming blade motor is then
activated so that the sixth deforming blade motor
moves the sixth deforming blade in the first
direction in an amount sufficient for the sixth
deforming blade tip to contact the first major
surface of the sheet and deform the sheet against
the external surface of the mandrel, as shown in
Fig. 30H.
The third and sixth deforming blade motors are
then simultaneously activated so that the third and
sixth deforming blade motors move the third and
sixth deforming blades in the first direction in an
amount sufficient for the third and sixth deforming
blade tips to contact the first major surface of the
sheet and deform the sheet against the external
surface of the mandrel as shown in FIG. 30I.
The laser is used to cut the bridge. The laser is then
43
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
used to weld each of the engagement points to the engagement
point with which it is in contact to form the expandable
stmt .
In a preferred embodiment, the bridge has a width that is
about 25% to about 50% of the width of the other portions of
the stmt and in an especially preferred embodiment the bridge
has a width of about 40 microns.
The engagement points, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 are
sized and adapted to move in an amount sufficient so as to
reduce the likelihood of material stress occurring during
welding heating and cooling cycles.
A V-shaped notch 334 may be formed between the first long
side and the second long side when the stent is deformed to
provide for a stronger weld, as shown in FIG. 31. In
addition, as shown in FIG. 31 a gap 335 may be provided
between the engagement points and the external surface of the
mandrel 309 during the deforming step. This gap 335 provides
a greater area for weld material, thus, strengthening the weld
and reducing heat dissipation through the mandrel during
welding, thus, reducing the amount of energy that must be put
into the weld.
Additional weld fill material 336 may be provided on the
side of each of the engagement points substantially opposite
the bridge, as shown in Figs. 33 and 34. The weld fill
material 336 is sized and disposed so as to permit the
additional weld fill material to be drawn into the weld point
during welding.
After the stent has been deformed and the engagement
44
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
points have contacted each other, the bridge is cut using the
laser. The first side and long sides are then connected using
the laser to form a weld that is preferably wider than the
other portions of the stmt. In an especially preferred
embodiment, the weld is about 20% wider than the other
portions of the stmt and has a width of about 140 microns.
The weld is preferably run from outside-to-in. A plurality of
welding runs is preferably used and in an especially preferred
embodiment two weld-runs are utilized. The weld-run may be
offset from the point where the engagement points contact each
other and in a preferred embodiment is offset about .O1 mm
from the point where the engagement points contact each other.
The weld may be a spot weld, a plurality of spot welds,
and in a preferred embodiment, the weld comprises 5 spot
welds.
In a preferred embodiment, the pattern is cut into the
sheet using multiple-up-etching and comprises the step of
inspecting both sides of the sheet after etching and before
the sheet is disposed on the base. In an especially preferred
embodiment the inspection step is carried out using an
automated optical inspection apparatus.
In an especially preferred embodiment, the stmt patterns
are adapted so that upon the expansion of the stent against
the internal wall of a vessel substantially no portion of the
stmt projects into the longitudinal lumen of the stmt. The
stmt may be finished by electropolishing.
FIGS. 37 to 40 show another embodiment of an apparatus
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
for fabricating a stmt constructed in accordance with the
invention.
A base 401 is provided with a sheet receiving area 402
and is adapted to receive a flat sheet of metal to be formed
into a stmt. The sheet receiving area 402 is also provided
with a mandrel receiving groove 409. In a preferred
embodiment, the flat piece of metal has a longitudinal axis, a
first major surface, a second major surface, a first long
side, and a second long side, with the first and the second
long sides substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
An arm 403 having a first end 404 and a second end 405 is
provided.
The first end 404 of the arm is adapted to selectively
retain a mandrel 406 having a substantially cylindrical
external surface. The second end of the arm 405 is hingedly
connected to the base 401 and is adapted for movement in a
first direction toward the base 401 and in a second direction
away from the base 401 to secure the mandrel 406 against a
major surface of the flat sheet of metal. The mandrel 406 is
sized to have a cross-sectional diameter substantially equal
to or less than the internal cross-sectional diameter of the
stmt to be fabricated.
A means 407 is provided for deforming the flat piece of
metal against and around the external surface of the mandrel
so that the flat sheet of metal is deformed into a
substantially tubular shape conforming to the external surface
of the mandrel with the first long side and the second long
side substantially parallel to each other. FIG. 39 shows a
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CA 02556572 1997-12-23
top view of one embodiment wherein the means 407 for deforming
is a member provided with a deforming tip 408 having a length
substantially equal to the length of the first and second long
sides of the sheet metal. In a preferred embodiment, the
deforming tip is concave, as shown in FIG. 40.
In operation, a sheet is placed on the sheet receiving
area 402. A mandrel 406 is disposed in the first end 404 of
the arm 403 and the arm 403 is moved in the first direction so
that the mandrel is in contact with the sheet. The deforming
means is then used to deform the sheet around the mandrel a
previously discussed. The arm 403 is then moved in the second
direction and the mandrel 406 with the sheet wrapped around it
is removed from the first end 404 of the arm 403. The first
and second long sides are then connected as previously
discussed to form the stmt. In a preferred embodiment, the
mandrel with the sheet wrapped around it is transferred to the
stmt aligning and welding jig shown in FIGS. 41 to 45.
The stmt aligning and welding jig shown in FIGS. 41 to
45 comprises a base 500 having a first end and a second end
provided with a first wall 501 having a first end and a second
end and a first major surface 502 and a second major surface
503 and a second wall 504 having a first end and a second end
and a first major surface 505 and a second major surface 506.
The second major surface 503 of the first wall 501 and the
first major surface 505 of the second wall 504 define a
longitudinal U-shaped channel 507 having a longitudinal axis
in the base 500. The first wall 501 is provided with a
plurality of slots 508 defining a plurality of first clamping
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portions 509 having a top end 511 and a bottom end 512 and a
first major surface 502 and a second major surface 503. Each
of the first clamping portions 509 is provided with a first
concave channel 510 disposed at the top end 511 of the second
major surface 503 of the first clamping portion 509 and a
second concave channel 513 disposed at the bottom end 512 of
the second major surface 503 of the first clamping portion
509. The first and the second concave channels 510 and 513
are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the U-
shaped channel 507. The second major surface 503 of each of
the plurality of first clamping portions 509 is also provided
with a compensation slit 514 disposed between the first
concave channel 510 and the second concave channel 513 that is
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the U-
shaped channel 507.
A plurality of second clamping portions 515 is disposed
in the U-shaped channel 507 between the second major surface
503 of the first wall 501 and the first major surface 505 of
the second wall 504. Each of the second clamping portions 515
is disposed in registry with one of the first clamping
portions 509. Each of the second clamping portions 515 has a
top end 516, a bottom end 517, a first major surface 518, a
second major surface 519, a first minor surface disposed at
the top end, a second minor surface disposed at the bottom
end, a third minor surface disposed between the top end and
the bottom end, and a fourth minor surface disposed opposite
the third minor surface between the top end 516 and the bottom
end 517. Each of the second clamping portions 515 is provided
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with a first concave channel 521 disposed at the top end 516
of the first major surface 518 of the second clamping portion
515 and a second concave channel 522 disposed at the bottom
end 517 of the first major surface 518 of the second clamping
portion 515. The first and the second concave channels 521
and 522 are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of
the U-shaped channel 507.
A biasing means 523 is disposed between the first major
surface 505 of the second wall 504 and the second major
surface 503 of each of the of second clamping portions 509 for
biasing the first major surface 518 of each of the second
clamping portions 515 against the second major surface 503 of
each of the first clamping portions 509 which are in registry
with each other.
A first mandrel support lever positioning pin 524
projects from the third minor surface 520 and a second mandrel
support lever positioning pin 521 projects from the fourth
minor surface of each of the second clamping portions 515.
The mandrel support lever positioning pins 524 and 521 are
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the U-
shaped channel.
A biasing control means 522 selectively controls the
distance between the second major surface 503 of each of the
first clamping portions 509 and the first major surface 518 of
each of the second clamping portions 515.
A retaining mandrel 523 is disposed in the second concave
channel 513 of the first wall 501 and the second concave
channel 522 in each of the second clamping portions 515.
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CA 02556572 1997-12-23
A mandrel support lever 534, as shown in FIG. 42 supports
the stent during the alignment of the first long side of the
sheet with the second long side of the sheet. The lever 534
is provided with a first mandrel support notch 525 for
supporting the first end of the mandrel and a second mandrel
support notch 526 for supporting the second end of the
mandrel. A first mandrel support lever positioning pin
engagement surface 527 engages the first mandrel support lever
positioning pin 524 and a second mandrel support lever
positioning pin engagement surface 528 engages the second
mandrel support lever positioning pin 521 when the mandrel
support lever is disposed on the second wall 504.
It will be appreciated that various elastic materials
well known to those skilled in the art as suitable for this
purpose may be utilized, e.g., a spring, however, in an
especially preferred embodiment, the elastic material is
rubber.
In a preferred embodiment the biasing control means 522
is a threaded screw disposed in each of the first clamping
portions 509 with each of the screws 522 communicating with
the first major surface 502 and the second major surface 503
of each of the first clamping portions 509. The screws 522
are selectively movable in a direction toward and away from
the first major surface 518 of the second clamping portion 515
to selectively move the second clamping portion 515 in a
direction toward and away from the first clamping portions 509
to selectively vary the distance between the second major
surface 503 of each of the first clamping portions 509 and the
CA 02556572 1997-12-23
first major surface 518 of each of the second clamping
portions 515.
In operation, the mandrel with the sheet wrapped around
it is secured in the first concave channels 510 and 521. The
biasing control means 522, e.g., a screw, is adjusted to
secure the mandrel in the first concave channels while
permitting the first and second long sides of the sheet to be
adjusted so that the contact points are aligned as desired.
In a preferred embodiment, the mandrel support lever shown in
FIG. 42, is utilized to support the mandrel during the
alignment operation. A shown in FIG. 45, the first mandrel
support notch supports the first end of the mandrel and the
second mandrel support notch supports the second end of the
mandrel. The first mandrel support lever positioning pin
surface 527 engages the first mandrel support lever
positioning pin 524 and the second mandrel support lever
positioning pin surface 528 engages the second mandrel support
positioning pin 521 so as to align the mandrel support lever
534 when it is supporting the mandrel.
FIGS. 46 to 48 show a jig 612 for electropolishing a
tubular stmt, comprising a rack 600 having a first end 601
and a second end 602 and provided with a plurality of stmt
electropolishing mounts 603. Each of the mounts 603 is
provided with a base 604 and an electrically conductive first
member 605 having a first end 6.06 connected to the base 604
and a second end 607 adapted to selectively contact the
external surface of the tubular stmt to be electropolished
without damaging its external surface. The mounts 603 are
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CA 02556572 1997-12-23
also provided with an electrically non-conductive second
member 608 having a first end 609 connected to the base and a
second end 610 adapted to be selectively disposed within the
longitudinal bore of the stmt without damaging the surface
defining the longitudinal bore. The first member 605 and the
second member 608 are also adapted so as to bias the second
end 610 of the second member 608 towards the second end 607 of
the first member 605 in an amount sufficient to secure the
stmt between said first and the second members 605 and 608.
The advantage of a mount constructed in accordance with
applicants' invention is that the electrically conductive
member 605 contacts the external surface of the stent. This
reduces the likelihood of undulations and erosion lines
occurring on the surface defining the longitudinal bore.
These erosion lines frequently occur in stents electropolished
utilizing conventional mounts which place the electrically
conductive member against the surface defining the
longitudinal bore. Electropolishing a stmt with Applicants'
mount reduces the likelihood that the longitudinal lumen of
the stmt will have an irregular surface which could result in
turbulent fluid flow which could result in thrombosis or
platelet aggregation.
In a preferred electropolishing method a stent is placed
on a rack constructed as previously discussed. The method
comprises immersing the stmt in an electropolishing bath and
applying electrical current to the first member for a
predetermined period of time; and changing the point where the
second end of the first member contacts the external surface
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CA 02556572 1997-12-23
of the stmt prior to the expiration of the predetermined
period of time. Changing the point of contact minimizes the
concentration of undulations or erosion lines at any given
point on the stmt near the point of contact of the
electrically conductive member. The point of contact may be
changed by rotating the stmt. In an especially preferred
embodiment, the point of contact is changed by varying the
distance between the stent and the base by longitudinally
moving the stmt toward or away from the base 604 as shown in
FIGS. 46 and 47. The point of contact is changed at about the
midpoint of the predetermined period of time. In an
especially preferred embodiment, the treatment is interrupted
before the expiration of the predetermined time, the effect of
the electropolishing prior to the interruption step is
evaluated, and the remaining period of the predetermined time
is adjusted to compensate for any variations in the amount of
material actually removed prior to the interruption step. The
treatment may be interrupted at any time, however,
interruption at about the midpoint of the predetermined period
of time is preferred.
Pieces of sacrificial material 611 may be added at the
first end 601 and the second end 602 of the rack 600 to
compensate for the additional material normally removed from
stents disposed at the first end and the second end of the
rack as shown in FIG 48. The material is selected and added
in an amount sufficient to substantially equalize the amount
of additional material normally removed from the stem s
disposed first and second ends of the rack.
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In yet another preferred method of electropolishing a
stmt, the stmt is manufactured as previously discussed
however, when deforming the pattern into a tubular shape so
that the first long side pairs of engagement points contact
the second long side pairs of engagement points, a portion of
the stmt is allowed to remain attached to the sheet of metal,
as shown in FIGS. 49 and 50 (which is an end view taken along
line A-A of FIG. 49). The bridge is then cut, the engagement
points are connected to form the stmt, the stmt is
electropolished by connecting an electrode to the sheet, and
the stmt is then removed from the sheet. This reduces the
likelihood of damage to the stmt because the sheet to which
the stmt is attached is disposable. This method also
provides an additional advantage because the disposable sheet
to which the stmt is attached acts as sacrificial material as
previously discussed.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art
that the present invention is not limited to what has been
particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the
scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims
which follow.
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