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US 2012/0083819 A1Published application
External scaffolds for expanding strictures in tubular organs and their use
OwnerFrank Wang, Tzu Hsin Fenginventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
External scaffolds for expanding a stricture in the lumen of a tubular structure or organ in a mammal are disclosed herein. A method for expanding a stricture in the lumen of a tubular structure or organ in a mammal using the above external scaffolds is also disclosed.
Claims27
An external scaffold for expanding a stricture in the lumen of a tubular structure or organ in a mammal comprising:
- one or more open frames,
- each open frame comprising a plurality of frame indentations, an inward-facing surface, an outward-facing surface, and an opening between opposite first and second ends;
- said open frame has an inner frame width between about 0.25 inches and about 2.5 inches, and a cross-sectional width between about 0.065 inches and about 0.25 inches;
- said frame indentations each have a frame indentation width between about 0.065 inches and about 0.125 inches, and a frame indentation depth not exceeding one-half of the cross-sectional width of said open frame;
- said opening between first and second ends has an opening width between about 0 inches and about 0.25 inches;
- and
- when said external scaffold comprises two or more open frames,
- each open frame is juxtaposed to an adjacent open frame along the scaffold axis;
- and
- each open frame is separated from an adjacent open frame by one or more cylindrical spacers, the cylindrical spacers comprising a plurality of spacer indentations;
- and
- each open frame forms a twist angle with an adjacent open polygonal or toroidal frame between about 0° and about 90°.
9 more elements
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An adjustable external scaffold for expanding a stricture in the lumen of a tubular structure or organ in a mammal comprising:
- one or more arcuate assemblies,
- each arcuate assembly comprising
- a first semicircular arc and a second semicircular arc pivotally connected at a hinge,
- said first semicircular arc and a second semicircular arc each comprising a plurality of indentations on the outward-facing surface;
- said hinge comprising a clicking means whereby the first semicircular arc and the second semicircular are held in place in the absence of force and capable of opening or closing in the presence of force.
2 more elements
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.