Mesh stent with variable hoop strength

Abstract

A stent is adapted for disposition in a body conduit of a patient and comprises a mesh formed in the configuration of a tube and having an axis and axial convolutions, which facilitate movement between a low-profile state and a high-profile state. The tube in the low-profile state has an elongate configuration and a wall with a first thickness and first tube strength. The tube in the high-profile state has a compressed configuration and a wall with a second thickness greater than the first thickness and a second hoop strength greater than the first hoop strength. An associated method of use includes the steps of mounting the step on a catheter between first and second enlargement members, increasing the size of the enlargement members, and moving the enlargement members to axially compress the stent to the high-profile state. An associated method of manufacture includes the steps of corrugating the mesh on a mandrel by moving the ends of the mesh toward each other. The mesh can then be heat-set in the high-profile state.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.