Importance

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Abstract

An expandable tubular reinforcing member used for a body lumen that is made from a pair of end sections each constituted of an endless element of sinuous configuration defining a plurality of U-bends, an elongated element of sinuous configuration defining a plurality of U-bends extending between the end sections and spaced therefrom and being disposed in a helical configuration of the same diameter as the end sections. Turns of the helix of the elongate element are spaced apart with the U-bends of the elongated element aligned with the U-bends of the end sections. A plurality of first interconnecting strips, each having a bend, spans the space between axially successive turns of the elongated element and interconnects axially aligned proximate U-bends of the elongated element to define cells bounded by the elongated element and circumferentially successive first interconnecting strips. A plurality of second interconnecting strips, each having a bend, spans the spaces between the elongated element and the pair of end elements and interconnects axially aligned proximate U-bends of the end sections and the elongated element to define cells bounded by the end sections, the elongated element and circumferentially successive second connecting strips.

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First Claim