Importance

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Abstract

This invention is a medical device and a method of using it. The device is a foldable stent or stent-graft which may be percutaneously deliverable with (or on) an endovascular catheter or via other surgical or other techniques and then expanded. The expandable stent structure utilizes at least one torsional sector which allows it to be folded to a very small diameter prior to deployment as a stent. The stent may be expanded with the use of an installation device such as a balloon but preferably is used as a self-expandable device. The stent may be flared on at least one of its ends to promote smooth blood flow at that flare and to assure that the stent will remain in the chosen position within the body. The stent's configuration allows it to be folded or otherwise compressed to a very small diameter prior to deployment without changing the length of the stent. The graft component cooperating with the stent is tubular and preferably is a blood-compatible collagenous material which may, if desired, be reinforced with fibers. The tubular member may be cast onto or otherwise attached or imbedded into the stent structure to form a stent-graft.

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First Claim