Importance

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Abstract

A medical stent includes an open-ended cylindrical body movable between a collapsed position for insertion into a body lumen and a radially expanded position pressed against the wall of the lumen. At least a portion of the stent is made of a material having anti-clotting and/or antimicrobial properties. In one embodiment, concentric laminated tubes of dissimilar materials such as copper and silver form the body. In another embodiment stacked rings of different materials such as, e.g., copper, silver, and/or steel form the body. In a still further embodiment at least one attachment made of a material having anti-clotting or antimicrobial properties is secured to the stent body. In a further embodiment the body has a lattice-like sidewall with openings therethrough, and a cover is attached to the outer surface. In all forms the body may have an outwardly flared inlet end to reduce turbulence.

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First Claim