US20070266760A1 - Apparatus and methods for stent manufacture - Google Patents
Apparatus and methods for stent manufacture Download PDFInfo
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- US20070266760A1 US20070266760A1 US11/436,734 US43673406A US2007266760A1 US 20070266760 A1 US20070266760 A1 US 20070266760A1 US 43673406 A US43673406 A US 43673406A US 2007266760 A1 US2007266760 A1 US 2007266760A1
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- mandrel
- receiving passage
- base
- mount
- set screw
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/82—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/86—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
- A61F2/90—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
- A61F2/91—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/82—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2002/828—Means for connecting a plurality of stents allowing flexibility of the whole structure
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2220/00—Fixations or connections for prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
- A61F2220/0025—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
- A61F2220/0041—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements using additional screws, bolts, dowels or rivets, e.g. connecting screws
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2220/00—Fixations or connections for prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
- A61F2220/0025—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
- A61F2220/005—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements using adhesives
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2220/00—Fixations or connections for prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
- A61F2220/0025—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
- A61F2220/0058—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements soldered or brazed or welded
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2230/00—Geometry of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
- A61F2230/0002—Two-dimensional shapes, e.g. cross-sections
- A61F2230/0028—Shapes in the form of latin or greek characters
- A61F2230/006—Y-shaped
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2240/00—Manufacturing or designing of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
- A61F2240/001—Designing or manufacturing processes
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Cardiology (AREA)
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
- Transplantation (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Media Introduction/Drainage Providing Device (AREA)
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for manufacture of bifurcated stents are disclosed. The apparatus can include a base having a first mount, a second mount and a third mount. The first mount, the second mount and the third mount can be configured to secure a first mandrel, a second mandrel and a third mandrel at positions relative to one another. The mandrels may be configured to receive two or more mono-tubular stents so that the stents or components of the stents may be secured to one another to form a bifurcated stent.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present inventions relates to medical devices and, more particularly, to apparatus and methods for manufacture of bifurcated stents.
- 2. Background of the Related Art
- Stents and similar implantable medical devices, collectively referred to hereinafter as stents, are generally radially expandable endoprostheses. They are typically used to obtain and maintain the patency of the body passageway while maintaining the integrity of the passageway. Stents have provided doctors with a desirable alternative to the more invasive surgeries historically required to open obstructed passageways within the body. With the tendency being to avoid invasive surgeries, their use and range of applications has steadily increased.
- Stents are typically tubular devices. That is, they comprise a body or wall that defines a lumen. Stents are frequently made of a thin-walled metallic or woven material and have a pattern of apertures, openings or holes defined around the circumference of the stent along most of its length. Typically, the pattern of apertures, openings or holes is configured to permit the stent to move from a contracted to an expanded position. Stents may be constructed from a variety of materials such as stainless steel, cobalt-chromium alloys, such as Elgiloy, nickel-titanium alloys, such as Nitinol, shape memory polymers, among other materials. The materials are typically selected for their biocompatibility among other physical characteristics that may be desirable for particular applications.
- Stents are typically configured to be implanted translumenally and radially enlarged after being positioned within a lumen. They may be implanted in a variety of bodily lumens or vessels such as within the vascular system, urinary tracts, bile ducts, etc. The stent may provide a prosthetic intralumenal wall or wall support. Some stents are particularly adapted to reinforce blood vessels and to prevent restenosis following angioplasty in the vascular system. In the case of a stenosis, a stent may provide an unobstructed conduit for blood to move through the stenotic region of the vessel. In other variations, a stent may be used to treat an aneurysm by removing the pressure on a weakened part of an artery so as to reduce the risk of embolism, or of the natural artery wall bursting.
- Stents may be formed in a variety of methods. In one exemplary methodology, a stent may be formed by etching or cutting the stent pattern from a tube or section of stent material. In another exemplary methodology, a sheet of stent material maybe cut or etched according to a desired stent pattern whereupon the sheet may be rolled or otherwise formed into the desired tubular or bifurcated tubular shape of the stent. In yet another exemplary methodology, one or more wires or ribbons of stent material may be braided or otherwise formed into a desired shape and pattern.
- Early, stents typically shared the common design of being mono-tubular. These mono-tubular stents were suitable axial delivery and implantation within a bodily lumen. Recently, smaller stents have been utilized. These smaller stents have been inserted into coronary arteries after a coronary angioplasty procedure. Coronary angioplasty is a medical procedure used to treat blocked coronary arteries as an alternative to a coronary bypass operation. However, the need to manufacture these smaller stents has introduced a number of complications into stent manufacture one of which is the need for greater precision in the manufacturing process. In one technique, stents are cut with laser beams from small diameter tubes. As they are formed from small diameter tubes, laser cut stents manufactured from such processes have typically been mono-tubular.
- Within the vasculature however, it is not uncommon for stenoses to form at any of a wide variety of vessel bifurcations. A bifurcation is an area of the vasculature or other portion of the body where a first (or parent) vessel is bifurcated into two or more branch vessels. Bifurcations exist within the body in a wide variety of configurations, angles, and vessel diameters. Where a stenotic lesion or lesions form at such a bifurcation, the lesion(s) can affect only one of the vessels (i.e., either of the branch vessels or the parent vessel) two of the vessels, or all three vessels.
- Unfortunately, mono-tubular stents are not optimal for use at a bifurcation body passageway or about a side branch of a body passageway. When implanted, mono-tubular stents can shield side branches emanating from a bodily lumen. In these cases, there is an increased risk of closure of one of the side branches or arm of the bifurcation and, at a minimum, the increased resistance to the movement of fluid through the obscured branch or arm. Thus, a need exists for bifurcated stents to support these areas. However, the manufacture of bifurcated stents can be complicated and may introduce a number of variables that are not necessarily considered when manufacturing mono-tubular stents. These complications can be exacerbated when the bifurcated stent is of a relatively small diameter. Accordingly, a need exists for apparatus and methods for manufacture of bifurcated stents.
- This Summary of the Invention capsulizes some of the claimed aspects of the present inventions. Additional details of aspects of the present inventions and/or additional embodiments of the present inventions are found in the Detailed Description of the Invention and associated Figures. Apparatus and methods in accordance with the present inventions may satisfy one or more of the needs listed in the Background of the Invention and will in certain configurations provide additional improvements and advantages that will be recognized by those skilled in the art upon review of the following Detailed Description of the Invention and associated Figures.
- In one aspect, the present inventions may provide a fixture for manufacture of a bifurcated stent. The fixture may include a base having a first mount, a second mount, and a third mount. The base may define a lower surface adapted to be stably received on a work surface. A first mandrel, a second mandrel and a third mandrel may be secured to the base. The base may further define an orifice positioned about a central point and extending through the base between the lower surface and an upper surface. Alternatively to defining an orifice positioned about a central point, the base may define a cavity positioned about a central point and extending into the upper surface of the base.
- The first mandrel may be secured to the first mount at one of a plurality of desired positions along the first mandrel. The first mount may define at least a first mandrel receiving passage in which the first mandrel may be secured. The first mandrel may be slidably positioned within the first mandrel receiving passage. The first mandrel receiving passage may define a first longitudinal axis. The second mandrel may be secured to the second mount at one of a plurality of desired positions along the second mandrel. The second mount may define at least a second mandrel receiving passage in which the second mandrel may be secured. The second mandrel may be slidably positioned within the second mandrel receiving passage. The second mandrel receiving passage may define a second longitudinal axis. The third mandrel may be secured to the third mount at one of a plurality of desired positions along the third mandrel. The third mount may define at least a third mandrel receiving passage in which the third mandrel may be secured. The third mandrel may be slidably positioned within the third mandrel receiving passage. The third mandrel receiving passage may define a third longitudinal axis. The first longitudinal axis, the second longitudinal axis, and the third longitudinal axis may intersect at a central point. Each of the first mandrel, the second mandrel and the third mandrel can be securable in at least one position that places the first tip of the first mandrel, the second tip of the second mandrel, and the third tip of the third mandrel adjacent to one another.
- A first set screw lumen may be defined by the first mount. The first set screw lumen intersecting the first mandrel receiving passage. A first set screw may be threadably received within the first set screw lumen to secure the first mandrel relative to the base.
- A second set screw lumen may be defined by the second mount. The second set screw lumen intersecting the second mandrel receiving passage. A second set screw may be threadably received within the second set screw lumen to secure the second mandrel relative to the base.
- A third set screw lumen may be defined by the third mount. The third set screw lumen intersecting the third mandrel receiving passage. A third set screw may be threadably received within the third set screw lumen to secure the third mandrel relative to the base.
- The first mandrel receiving passage may include a first internal thread. The first internal thread may be configured to receive including a first external thread defined on an outer surface of the first mandrel. The first external thread of the first mandrel may be threadably received within the first internal thread of the first mandrel receiving passage to permit the rotational positioning of the first mandrel within the first mandrel receiving passage. A first knob may be secured to a first outer end of the first mandrel to assist a user at gripping and/or rotating the first mandrel.
- The second mandrel receiving passage may include a second internal thread. The second internal thread may be configured to receive including a second external thread defined on an outer surface of the second mandrel. The second external thread of the second mandrel may be threadably received within the second internal thread of the second mandrel receiving passage to permit the rotational positioning of the second mandrel within the second mandrel receiving passage. A second knob may be secured to a second outer end of the second mandrel to assist a user at gripping and/or rotating the second mandrel.
- The third mandrel receiving passage may include a third internal thread. The third internal thread may be configured to receive including a third external thread defined on an outer surface of the third mandrel. The third external thread of the third mandrel may be threadably received within the third internal thread of the third mandrel receiving passage to permit the rotational positioning of the third mandrel within the third mandrel receiving passage. A third knob may be secured to a third outer end of the third mandrel to assist a user at gripping and/or rotating the third mandrel.
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FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a laser welding apparatus including a fixture in accordance with the present inventions positioned on a work surface; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a bifurcated stent manufactured using apparatus in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a fixture in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a fixture in accordance with the present inventions similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 3A ; -
FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a fixture in accordance with the present inventions similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 3A ; -
FIG. 3D illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a fixture in accordance with the present inventions similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 3A ; -
FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a fixture in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a fixture in accordance with the present inventions similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 4A ; -
FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a fixture in accordance with the present inventions similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 4A ; -
FIG. 4D illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a fixture in accordance with the present inventions similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 4A ; -
FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a fixture in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 5B illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a fixture in accordance with the present inventions similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 5A ; -
FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a fixture in accordance with the present inventions similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 5A ; and -
FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of mandrels of a fixture in accordance with the present inventions positioning stents to be welded to one another. - All Figures are illustrated for ease of explanation of the basic teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the Figures with respect to number, position, relationship and dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following description has been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the following description has been read and understood.
- Where used in various Figures of the drawings, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms “top,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “forward,” “rear,” “first,” “second,” “inside,” “outside,” and similar terms are used, the terms should be understood to reference only the structure shown in the drawings and utilized only to facilitate describing the illustrated embodiments. Similarly, when the terms “proximal,” “distal,” and similar positional terms are used, the terms should be understood to reference the structures shown in the drawings as they will typically be implemented by a manufacturer of stents using apparatus and methods in accordance with the present inventions.
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FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplarylaser welding apparatus 100 including afixture 10 in accordance with the present inventions positioned on awork surface 106.Laser welding apparatus 100 generally includes alaser generator 102 having a laser source and optical focusing mechanism. Thelaser generator 102 generates alaser beam 110. Thelaser beam 110 from thelaser generator 102 is directed through thelaser welding apparatus 100 to aguide 104 which directs the laser beam through an aperture orlens 108 toward a target positioned onwork surface 106. As illustrated, thelaser beam 110 is directed downward in an orientation which is substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by thework surface 106 for exemplary purposes. Afixture 10 may be positioned on thework surface 106 to secure one or more components of abifurcated stent 210 at a location that will permit thelaser beam 110 to be directed at the desired aspects of thebifurcated stent 210. Some components of abifurcated stent 210 are shown inFIGS. 2 and 6 . The components includestents fixture 10 for welding. As illustrated for exemplary purposes, thefixture 10 securing thestents work surface 106 so that the laser beam may be directed toward the location on or between one or more ofstents - An embodiment and components of a
bifurcated stent 210 manufactured using apparatus and methods in accordance with the present inventions are generally illustrated inFIG. 2 for exemplary purposes. The elements shown inFIG. 2 are provided solely for exemplary purposes and may be out of the proper proportions for particular stenting applications. These proportions have been selected for ease of illustration of the particular elements. Thebifurcated stent 210 may be particularly configured for implantation in a blood vessel. In one aspect, thebifurcated stent 210 may be adapted to maintain the lumen of a blood vessel in an open configuration. In one aspect, thebifurcated stent 210 may be configured for use in a coronary angioplasty. - As particularly illustrated in
FIG. 2 , thebifurcated stent 210 is positioned in a radially expanded configuration. As illustrated for exemplary purposes, thebifurcated stent 210 generally includes a first mono-tubular stent 212, a second mono-tubular stent 214, and a third mono-tubular stent 216 welded to one another at ajunction 230 byfirst intraconnect 232,second intraconnect 234 andthird intraconnect 236 in a generally radial arrangement. Each of the mono-tubular stents passage tubular stent 212 defines afirst passage 222; the second mono-tubular stent 214 defines asecond passage 224; and the third mono-tubular stent 216 defines a third passage 226. - The
passages longitudinal axis tubular stents longitudinal axis junction 30 for exemplary purposes. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of relative angles distinct from those illustrated may be advantageous for various applications. Further, those skilled in the art may recognize that the mono-tubular stents fixture 10. For example, thelongitudinal axis 242 of first mono-tubular stent 212 manufactured at a 180 degree angle from thelongitudinal axis 44 of the second mono-tubular stent 214. In addition, the three mono-tubular stents bifurcated stent 210 may be manufactured with a mono-tubular stent 212, for example, directed outside the plane defined by the other two mono-tubular stents tubular stents tubular stents - Each of the illustrated
stents intraconnects stents bifurcated stent 210. Such interconnects are described in more detail in a U.S. patent application, entitled Bifurcated Stenting Apparatus and Methods and assigned Ser. No. 11/049,323 the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Those skilled in the art will recognize additional structures and configurations for stents or components thereof that may utilize afixture 10 in accordance with the present inventions in their assembly into a bifurcated stent. - As particularly illustrated, each of the
stents intraconnects bifurcated stent 210, the term proximal shall refer to the end of the components adjacent tojunction 230 and the term distal shall refer to the end opposite the proximal end of each element. Thefirst stent 212 includes afirst intraconnect 232, thesecond stent 214 includes asecond intraconnect 234, and thethird stent 216 includes athird intraconnect 236. Theintraconnects stents bifurcated stent 210.Intraconnects stents intraconnects intraconnects fixture 10 in accordance with the present inventions as will be understood by those skilled in the art upon review of the present disclosure. -
Fixtures 10 in accordance with the present inventions generally include a base 12 relatively securing the position of at least twomounts mandrel mounts mounts mandrels bifurcated stent 210 to be precisely positioned and secured relative to one another.Fixtures 10 in accordance with the present inventions may facilitate manufacture ofbifurcated stent 210 by permitting the precision assembly of three independently fabricated mono-tubular stents bifurcated stent 210 from two or more mono-tubular stents bifurcated stent 210. This can reduce the need for special or complex tooling typically required for manufacture and/or assembly of bifurcated stents. Embodiments and components of embodiments offixtures 10 and methods in accordance with the present inventions are generally illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3A to 6. - The present inventions are generally described with reference to the figures wherein the same numbers indicate similar, identical or analogous elements in different figures and within individual figures. The elements identified in the figures may be drawn out of the proper proportions for particular applications. However, these proportions have been selected for ease of illustration and description. Further, the figures are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting and are included to facilitate the explanation of the apparatus of the present inventions not to limit the scope of the claims.
- Exemplary embodiments of
fixtures 10 in accordance with the present inventions are generally illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3A to 6. In accordance with the present inventions,fixtures 10 are generally configured to position two or more mono-tubular stents tubular stents tubular stents fixture 10 generally includes afirst mandrel 22, asecond mandrel 32, and athird mandrel 42 over which one or more mono-tubular stents mandrels stents - The base 12 may be modular or a unitary component. The
base 12 is typically sized to be easily handled and to permit its positioning on awork surface 106 of alaser welding apparatus 100. Thebase 12 includes alower surface 14 configured to stably support the base 12 when the base is positioned on awork surface 106 as shown inFIG. 1 . In one aspect, thelower surface 14 may be substantially planar to permit the base to stably rest on a flat surface. In another aspect, thelower surface 14 may define one or more feet or extensions upon which thebase 12 may rest or which may be secured to thelaser welding apparatus 100. As illustrated, afirst mount 20, asecond mount 30 and athird mount 40 may be secured to or may be integral with thebase 12. One or more of themounts first mandrel 22, thesecond mandrel 32 and/or thethird mandrel 42 at fixed positions relative to one another and/or thebase 12. - The
first mount 20, thesecond mount 30 and thethird mount 40 may be integral with the base 12 or may be secured to a surface such as for example anupper surface 16 of thebase 12. In one aspect, one or more of themounts base 12. In another aspect, one or more of themounts upper surface 16 of thebase 12.Mounts base 12 withbolts 50 or may otherwise be secured to the base such as by adhesives or welding for example as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. The base 12 may define anorifice 18 extending through the base between thelower surface 14 and theupper surface 16. Alternatively, the base may define acavity 19 formed in theupper surface 16 of thebase 12. - Each of
mandrels passage tubular stents Mandrels Mandrels central point 300 to permit the alignment and securing of aspects of mono-tubular stents central point 300 may be aligned with the central axis of acircular orifice 18 orcavity 19.First mandrel 22,second mandrel 32, andthird mandrel 42 are typically secured to the base 12 to allow thefirst tip 28,second tip 38 and third tip 49 to be positioned adjacent to one another. Depending on the embodiment,tips first mandrel 22,second mandrel 32, andthird mandrel 42 may be secured to the base 12 to allow thefirst tip 28,second tip 38 and third tip 49 of therespective mandrels first knob 62,second knob 72 and athird knob 82 may be positioned at the respective first outer end of thefirst mandrel 22, the second outer end of thesecond mandrel 32, and the third outer end of thethird mandrel 42, respectively.Knobs mandrels - As is generally illustrated for exemplary purposes,
first mandrel 22,second mandrel 32, andthird mandrel 42 may be received through a firstmandrel receiving passage 66, a second mandrel receiving passage 76 and a third mandrel receiving passage 86, respectively. The firstmandrel receiving passage 66, second mandrel receiving passage 76 and third mandrel receiving passage 86 can be defined inbase 12 and/or byfirst mount 20,second mount 30 andthird mount 40, respectively. Typically, themandrel receiving passage 66, 76, 86 will fix the angular position of each offirst mandrel 22,second mandrel 32, andthird mandrel 42 relative to thebase 12. Thefirst mandrel 22,second mandrel 32, andthird mandrel 42 may be relatively sized to slide through firstmandrel receiving passage 66, second mandrel receiving passage 76 and third mandrel receiving passage 86, respectively. In one aspect, thebase 12 may further define a firstset screw lumen 25, a secondset screw lumen 35 and a third set screw lumen 45 in communication with firstmandrel receiving passage 66, second mandrel receiving passage 76 and third mandrel receiving passage 86, respectively. Afirst set screw 24, asecond set screw 34 and athird set screw 44 may be threadably engaged within firstset screw lumen 25, secondset screw lumen 35 and third set screw lumen 45 to lock thefirst mandrel 22,second mandrel 32 andthird mandrel 42 at desired positions. To lock amandrel set screw set screw lumen set screw mandrel mandrel receiving passage 66, second mandrel receiving passage 76 and third mandrel receiving passage 86 may include firstinternal thread 65, secondinternal thread 75, and thirdinternal thread 85, respectively. When themandrel receiving passage 66, 76, 86 includeinternal thread first mandrel 22,second mandrel 32, andthird mandrel 42 may include firstexternal thread 64, secondexternal thread 74, and third external thread 84 respectively, to engageinternal thread external thread external thread respective mandrel mandrel -
FIGS. 3A to 3D illustrate similar exemplary embodiments of afixture 10 in accordance with one or more of the present inventions. As illustrated, thebase 12 is a modular component including afirst mount 20, asecond mount 30 and athird mount 40 extending from anupper surface 16 ofbase 12. Thefirst mount 20, second, mount 30 andthird mount 40 are secured to theupper surface 16 of the base 12 withbolts 50 which extend through themounts base 12. As illustrated, thefirst mount 20,second mount 30 andthird mount 40 include afirst channel 26, asecond channel 36 and athird channel 46, respectively on an upper surface of the mount. Thefirst channel 26,second channel 36, andthird channel 46 extend in a substantially parallel orientation with the firstmandrel receiving passage 66, second mandrel receiving passage 76 and third mandrel receiving passage 86, respectively. Thefirst channel 26,second channel 36, andthird channel 46 may include a first biasing member 126, a second biasing member 136 and a third biasing member 138 which may be in contact with afirst mandrel 22, asecond mandrel 32 and athird mandrel 42, respectively. The biasing members 126, 136, 146 may inhibit unwanted movement of associatedmandrels mounts FIGS. 3A to 3D , thebase 12 includes a lower surface ofbase 12 is flat to permitbase 12 to be stably rested on a flat work surface such aswork surface 106, shown inFIG. 1 . Further, thebase 12 defines anorifice 18 extending through the base 12 between thelower surface 14 and theupper surface 16. Theorifice 18 may permit the welding of mono-tubular stents lower surface 14 or the upper surface is placed adjacent to awork surface 106 of alaser welding apparatus 100. Thus, theorifice 18 may permit thefixture 10 mono-tubular stents tubular stents respective mandrels -
Mandrels FIGS. 3A to 3D as linear rods. Thefirst mandrel 22,second mandrel 32, andthird mandrel 42 are received through a firstmandrel receiving passage 66, a second mandrel receiving passage 76 and a third mandrel receiving passage 86, respectively. Themandrels mandrel receiving passage 66, 76, 86.Fixture 10 ofFIGS. 3A to 3D uses setscrews Mandrels central point 300. Thecentral point 300 is illustrated as generally aligned with the central axis oforifice 18.First mandrel 22,second mandrel 32, andthird mandrel 42 are secured to the base 12 to allow thefirst tip 28,second tip 38 and third tip 49 to be positioned adjacent to one another. If desired by a user of the illustrated embodiment,first mandrel 22,second mandrel 32, andthird mandrel 42 may be positioned with thefirst tip 28,second tip 38 and third tip 49 abutted against one another. Accordingly, aspects of mono-tubular stent mandrels -
FIGS. 4A to 4D illustrate another set of similar exemplary embodiments of afixture 10 in accordance with the present inventions. As illustrated, thebase 12 is a unitary component withoutdistinct mounts base 12 includes a lower surface ofbase 12 is flat to permitbase 12 to be stably rested on a flat work surface such aswork surface 106, shown inFIG. 1 . Further, thebase 12 defines anorifice 18 extending through the base 12 between thelower surface 14 and theupper surface 16. Similar to the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 3A to 3B , theorifice 18 may permit the welding of mono-tubular stents lower surface 14 or the upper surface is placed adjacent to awork surface 106 of alaser welding apparatus 100. In addition, thebase 12 ofFIGS. 4A to 4D include a firstlateral passage 60, a secondlateral passage 70, and a thirdlateral passage 80. Firstlateral passage 60, secondlateral passage 70, and thirdlateral passage 80 extend about the longitudinal axis extending from the third mandrel receiving passage 86, the firstmandrel receiving passage 66, and the second mandrel receiving passage 76, respectively. The firstlateral passage 60, secondlateral passage 70, and thirdlateral passage 80 may permit the passage of alaser apparatus 100 orlaser beam 110. Accordingly, another portion of the mono-tubular stents tubular stents fixture 10. The firstmandrel receiving passage 66, a second mandrel receiving passage 76 and a third mandrel receiving passage 86 are radially spaced about acentral point 300 positioned within the approximate center of theorifice 18. For exemplary purposes, themandrel receiving passage 66, 76, 86 are oriented with their longitudinal axis at approximately 120 degree angles from one another for exemplary purposes. - The embodiment of
fixture 10 illustrated inFIGS. 4A to 4D includesinternal thread mandrel receiving passage 66, second mandrel receiving passage 76 and third mandrel receiving passage 86 to lock the mandrels in desired positions. Accordingly, themandrels external thread internal thread first mandrel 22,second mandrel 32, andthird mandrel 42 are positioned relative to the base by rotation. In one aspect, thefirst mandrel 22,second mandrel 32, andthird mandrel 42 may be rotated by rotation of afirst knob 62, asecond knob 72 and athird knob 82 secured to the outer end of therespective mandrel Mandrels first tip 28,second tip 38 and third tip 49 to be positioned adjacent to one another. If desired by a user of the illustrated embodiment,first mandrel 22,second mandrel 32, andthird mandrel 42 may be positioned with thefirst tip 28,second tip 38 and third tip 49 abutted against one another. Accordingly, aspects of mono-tubular stent mandrels -
FIGS. 5A to 5C illustrate yet another exemplary embodiment of afixture 10 in accordance with the present inventions. Thefixture 10 as illustrated inFIGS. 5A to 5C is generally similar to the embodiment offixture 10 illustrated inFIGS. 3A to 3D with the addition of aplatform 92 upon which thebase 12 is secured. Theplatform 92 defines an upper platform surface 96 which is configured to stably receive thebase 12. As particularly illustrated, the upper platform surface 96 is configured to abut alower surface 14 of thebase 12. The upper platform surface 96 may be configured to receive anupper surface 16 of thebase 12. A plurality ofdetents detents detents platform 92. As particularly illustrated,detents platform 92 in one of three relative positions. The relative positions may be adjusted by lifting the base 12 from in betweendetents platform 92 before repositioning thebase 12 betweendetents aid 93 may be provided and positioned adjacent to thetips mandrels laser apparatus 100 relative tofixture 10. The focusingaid 93 may be in the form of a rod extending upward from theplatform 92 or, in other aspects, from the base 12 to position anupper surface 97 of the rod adjacent to thetips mandrels aid 93 may assist in focusing the optics by better facilitating a determination of the focal position of the laser relative to the workpiece. - A
fixture 10 in accordance with the present inventions may be used to manufacture abifurcated stent 210 from mono-tubular stents tubular stent tubular stent tubular stent tubular stent tubular stents tubular stent tubular stents tubular stents tubular stents tubular stents mandrel fixture 10. Thefirst tip 28,second tip 38 andthird tip 38 of therespective mandrels central point 300. The mono-tubular stents mandrels FIG. 6 , the aspects to be welded together include terminal connectors 262, 264, 266. The terminal connectors 262, 264, 266 may then be laser welded at their first surfaces 272, 274, 276 and/or second surfaces 282, 284, 286. Once welded or otherwise secured to one another, themandrels tubular stents bifurcated stent 210. - Although illustrated and described herein with reference to certain specific embodiments, the present inventions is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details provided in the foregoing description. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Claims (8)
1. An apparatus for manufacture of a bifurcated stent, comprising:
a base including a first mount, a second mount, and a third mount, the base defining a lower surface adapted to be stably received on a work surface,
a first mandrel defining a first tip, the first mandrel secured to the first mount at one of a plurality of first desired positions along the first mandrel;
a second mandrel defining a second tip, the second mandrel secured to the second mount at one of a plurality of second desired positions along the second mandrel;
a third mandrel defining a third tip, the third mandrel secured to the third mount at one of a plurality of third desired positions along the third mandrel;
each of the first mandrel, the second mandrel and the third mandrel being securable in at least one position that places the first tip, the second tip, and the third tip adjacent to one another.
2. An apparatus, as in claim 1 , further comprising the first mount defining at least a first mandrel receiving passage, the second mount defining at least a second mandrel receiving passage and the third mount defining at least a third mandrel receiving passage, the first mandrel receiving passage defining a first longitudinal axis, the second mandrel receiving passage defining a second longitudinal axis and the third mandrel receiving passage defining a third longitudinal axis, the first mandrel slidably positioned within the first mandrel receiving passage, the second mandrel slidably received within the second mandrel receiving passage, and the third mandrel slidably received in the third mandrel receiving passage.
3. An apparatus, as in claim 2 , further comprising a first set screw lumen intersecting the first mandrel receiving passage and a first set screw threadably received within the first set screw lumen to secure the first mandrel relative to the base; a second set screw lumen intersecting the second mandrel receiving passage and a second set screw threadably received within the second set screw lumen to secure the second mandrel relative to the base; and a third set screw lumen intersecting the third mandrel receiving passage and a third set screw threadably received within the third set screw lumen to secure the third mandrel relative to the base.
4. An apparatus, as in claim 2 , further comprising the first longitudinal axis, the second longitudinal axis, and the third longitudinal axis intersecting at a central point.
5. An apparatus, as in claim 2 , further comprising:
the first mandrel receiving passage including a first internal thread and the first mandrel including a first external thread, the first external thread of the first mandrel threadably received within the first internal thread of the first mandrel receiving passage to permit the rotational positioning of the first mandrel within the first mandrel receiving passage;
the second mandrel receiving passage including a second internal thread and the second mandrel including a second external thread, the second external thread of the second mandrel threadably received within the second internal thread of the second mandrel receiving passage to permit the rotational positioning of the second mandrel within the second mandrel receiving passage; and
the third mandrel receiving passage including a third internal thread and the third mandrel including a third external thread, the third external thread of the third mandrel threadably received within the third internal thread of the third mandrel receiving passage to permit the rotational positioning of the third mandrel within the third mandrel receiving passage.
6. An apparatus, as in claim 5 , further comprising a first knob secured to a first outer end of the first mandrel, a second knob secured to a second outer end of the second mandrel, and a third knob secured to a third outer end of the third mandrel.
7. An apparatus, as in claim 1 , further comprising the base defining an orifice positioned about a central point and extending through the base between the lower surface and an upper surface.
8. An apparatus, as in claim 1 , further comprising the base defining a cavity positioned about a central point and extending into the upper surface of the base.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/436,734 US20070266760A1 (en) | 2006-05-17 | 2006-05-17 | Apparatus and methods for stent manufacture |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/436,734 US20070266760A1 (en) | 2006-05-17 | 2006-05-17 | Apparatus and methods for stent manufacture |
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US20070266760A1 true US20070266760A1 (en) | 2007-11-22 |
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US11/436,734 Abandoned US20070266760A1 (en) | 2006-05-17 | 2006-05-17 | Apparatus and methods for stent manufacture |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ITUB20152801A1 (en) * | 2015-08-03 | 2017-02-03 | Univ Degli Studi Di Pavia | Temporal bone fixation device for implantable hearing aids |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4773864A (en) * | 1987-08-31 | 1988-09-27 | Holt Byron B | Apparatus for enhancing surgical skills |
US5816568A (en) * | 1996-11-12 | 1998-10-06 | Fox; Phillip S. | Component holding system |
-
2006
- 2006-05-17 US US11/436,734 patent/US20070266760A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4773864A (en) * | 1987-08-31 | 1988-09-27 | Holt Byron B | Apparatus for enhancing surgical skills |
US5816568A (en) * | 1996-11-12 | 1998-10-06 | Fox; Phillip S. | Component holding system |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ITUB20152801A1 (en) * | 2015-08-03 | 2017-02-03 | Univ Degli Studi Di Pavia | Temporal bone fixation device for implantable hearing aids |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: STENT TECH, INC., MINNESOTA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:DAS, GLADWIN S.;OBERG, GARY;REEL/FRAME:018234/0932;SIGNING DATES FROM 20060802 TO 20060804 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |