Eversible locking mechanism for modular stents

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for locking self-expanding modular stent components together using an eversible extension on the male component. The male component is deployed partially within the female component, and with the eversible extension eversed over the male component.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A locking mechanism for use in a modular self-expanding stent system having a male stent component configured to be deployed partially within a lumen of a female stent component; said locking mechanism comprising an eversible stent extension extending from said male stent component and deployable within said female stent component in an eversed configuration to lock said male stent component to said female stent component. 
     
     
         2 . The locking mechanism of  claim 1  further comprising a covering attached to said modular stent components to form a modular stent-graft. 
     
     
         3 . The locking mechanism of  claim 2  wherein said modular stent-graft is configured for deployment in an abdominal aorta, spanning the aortic bifurcation. 
     
     
         4 . The locking mechanism of  claim 1  wherein said eversible stent extension is outwardly flared. 
     
     
         5 . The locking mechanism of  claim 1  wherein said male stent component comprises one or more braided filaments. 
     
     
         6 . The locking mechanism of  claim 5  wherein said eversible extension is formed by continued braiding of one or more of said braided filaments. 
     
     
         7 . The locking mechanism of  claim 6  wherein a covering is lashed to said male stent to former a stent-graft and said eversible extension extends beyond said covering. 
     
     
         8 . The locking mechanism of  claim 1 , further comprising a delivery sheath used to temporarily hold said eversible stent extension in said eversed configuration.