Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A surgical stent 10 is provided which is formed of a plurality of stent segments 40 having a streamlined contour. Each stent segment 40 includes an outer surface 42 spaced from an inner surface 44. The inner surface 44 is bordered by inner edges 54, 56 and the outer surface 42 is bordered by outer edges 50, 52. The outer edges 50, 52 have a contour defined by outer curves 64, 66 and the inner edges 54, 56 have a contour defined by inner curves 60, 62. Radii of curvature for the inner curves 70, 72 are greater than radii of curvature for the outer curves 64, 66. The inner surface 44 is thus streamlined for passage of blood/bodily fluid B adjacent the inner surface 44 and the outer surface 42 is particularly configured for maximum adherence without irritation to an inner surface S of a body lumen L, such as an artery. The surfaces 42, 44 of the stent segment 40 are provided with a surface finish of sufficient smoothness to further enhance blood/fluid flow B adjacent the stent segment 40 and to minimize irritation of tissues forming the inner surface S of the body lumen L in which the surgical stent 10 is implanted.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim