Implantable stent having structural extension members with growth promoting structural elements fostering growth of surrounding tissue thereto

A method of manufacturing an implantable stent including a tubular scaffolding having a proximal end, an opposite distal end and a lumen extending therethrough;

• the tubular scaffolding including a plurality of individual struts arranged in a pattern defining open spaces therebetween;
• wherein the tubular scaffolding has a lumen facing surface that faces radially inward toward the lumen and an opposite tissue facing surface that faces radially outward away from the lumen;
• wherein each of the individual struts has a longitudinal axis and a lateral cross-section with opposing sides extending between the lumen facing surface and the tissue facing surface;
• and at least one structural extension member associated with one of the individual struts, wherein the at least one structural extension member has a lumen facing surface that faces radially inward toward the lumen and an opposite tissue facing surface that faces radially outward away from the lumen;
• the at least one structural extension member extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis outward from one of the opposing sides of the associated individual strut;
• wherein the at least one structural extension member has a plurality of growth promoting structural elements;
• the method comprising the steps of:
• providing the tubular scaffolding comprising the plurality of individual struts arranged in the pattern and the at least one structural extension member associated with one of the individual struts;
• and
• creating the plurality of growth promoting structural elements in the at least one structural extension member,
• wherein the at least one structural extension member has a free edge;
• and the at least one structural extension member has a tapered profile that is tapered in thickness in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the associated individual strut such that a maximum thickness is along an interface at one of the opposing sides of the associated individual strut and a minimum thickness along the free edge.

A method of using an implantable stent including a tubular scaffolding having a proximal end, an opposite distal end and a lumen extending therethrough;

• the tubular scaffolding including a plurality of individual struts arranged in a pattern defining open spaces therebetween;
• wherein the tubular scaffolding has a lumen facing surface that faces radially inward toward the lumen and an opposite tissue facing surface that faces radially outward away from the lumen;
• wherein each of the individual struts has a longitudinal axis and a lateral cross-section with opposing sides extending between the lumen facing surface and the tissue facing surface;
• and at least one structural extension member associated with one of the individual struts, wherein the at least one structural extension member has a lumen facing surface that faces inward toward the lumen and an opposite tissue facing surface that faces radially outward away from the lumen;
• the at least one structural extension member extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis outward from one of the opposing sides of the associated individual strut;
• wherein the at least one structural extension member has a plurality of growth promoting structural elements;
• the method comprising the steps of:
• delivery and deployment of the implantable stent to a target site in a vessel;
• and
• increasing over time, retainment strength of the implantable stent in position at the target site in the vessel due exclusively to growth of tissue cells in and/or atop the growth promoting structural elements,
• wherein the at least one structural extension member has a free edge;
• and the at least one structural extension member has a tapered profile that is tapered in thickness in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the associated individual strut such that a maximum thickness is along an interface at one of the opposing sides of the associated individual strut and a minimum thickness along the free edge.