Expansion ring for a braided stent

Abstract

A braided stent system includes a stent body having a lumen formed by a plurality of braided members with interstices formed therebetween and a first expansion ring connected to the lumen of the stent body. The first expansion ring may include a frame defined by a plurality of interconnected support assemblies that are selectively positioned to impart an outwardly expanding radial force to the stent body, each support assembly can include a plurality of legs joined at a first intersection and connected to one of the other interconnected support assemblies at a second intersection opposite the first intersection. Each support assembly can include a claw portion mechanically connected to one or more of the interstices of the stent body so that the frame imparts an outward radial expansion force of the stent to facilitate use and delivery of the stent.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A braided stent system, the system comprising:
 a stent body having a lumen formed by a plurality of braided members with interstices formed therebetween; and   an expansion ring mechanically connected to the lumen of the stent body, the expansion ring comprising a frame that imparts an outwardly expanding radial force to the stent body, the frame comprising a plurality of legs joined at a first intersection and a claw portion mechanically connected to one or more of the interstices of the stent body.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the claw portion mechanically connects the expansion ring to one or more of the interstices by extending away from the first intersection through a plurality of the interstices and terminating at a locking mechanism opposite the first intersection. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , the claw portion comprising at least two aligned elongate members extended between the first intersection and the locking mechanism to form a void through which the plurality of interstices pass. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the locking mechanism includes one of a T-shaped end or outwardly extending hooked members operable to fixedly connect to the interstices of the stent body. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the locking mechanism fixedly connects the expansion ring to the stent body by joining ends of the aligned elongate members opposite the first intersection through welding, soldering, crimping, or an adhesive bond. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the locking mechanism fixedly connects the expansion ring to the stent body by joining ends of the aligned elongate members opposite the first intersection through a metallic band or ring. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of legs of the frame are bowed causing the frame to be resistant to compression, the legs being twistable a predetermined amount about the first intersection. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first intersection forms a V-shape, a U-shape, or an elliptical curve. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the stent body comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a central portion disposed therebetween, and
 wherein the expansion ring is connected on or adjacent the distal or proximal ends of the stent body.   
     
     
         10 . A method of deploying a braided stent body into a vessel, the method comprising:
 assembling a plurality of expansion rings to a lumen of the braided stent body, the lumen of the braided stent body being formed by a plurality of braided members with interstices formed therebetween;   selectively positioning each expansion ring with the braided stent body;   each expansion ring imparting an outwardly expanding radial force thereby maintaining the lumen of the braided stent body in an opened position, each expansion ring comprising: a frame defined by a plurality of interconnected support assemblies comprising a plurality of legs joined at a first intersection and connected to one of the other interconnected support assemblies at a second intersection opposite the first intersection, the legs being twistable about the first and second intersections; and a claw portion disposed opposite the first and second intersections;   mechanically connecting the claw portion of each ring to an inner portion of the stent body by interlacing a first elongate member extended between the respective claw portion and the respective first intersection of the expansion ring with one or more of the interstices and terminated at a locking mechanism opposite the intersections; and   translating the braided members in the vessel independently from each expansion ring.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising: bowing the legs of each expansion ring causing each ring to be resistant to compression. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the claw portions comprises a second alignment member substantially aligned with the first elongate member and extended between respective first intersections and locking mechanisms, the method further comprising:
 forming a void between the first and second elongate members and respective first intersections and locking mechanisms; and passing a plurality of braided pairs of the braided members through the void.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising: fixedly connecting the expansion ring to the stent body by joining ends of the first and second elongate members opposite the first intersection through welding, soldering, crimping, an adhesive bond, or a fastener. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 connecting at least one of the expansion rings to a proximal end of the stent body; and   connecting at least one of the expansion rings to a distal end of the stent body.