Helical stent with micro-latches

Abstract

A stent constructed using elements containing micro-mechanical latching mechanisms is disclosed. The micro-mechanical latching elements allow sliding motion between two surfaces in one direction, and restrict sliding motion in the opposite direction. The micro-mechanical latch surface features are formed using microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS) manufacturing methods. The male surface of the latching components contains an array of ridges or protrusions, and the receiving surface contains a matching array of recesses. The array of ridges or protrusions and the corresponding recesses have uniformly dissimilar slopes that result in a substantially greater frictional force in one direction than in the opposite direction. The separation distance between the two surfaces is such that the male latch surface is engaged with the receiving surface recesses in the low stress “locked” state, preventing motion in the undesired direction.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.