Vascular implant

Abstract

Methods and devices relate to the use and construction of a vascular stent. A stent assembly includes mesh structure that is at least partially attached to a support or stent structure. The stent structure is formed of one or more struts that collectively form a tubular body sized to fit within a blood vessel. The mesh structure is formed of one or more filaments or sutures that are interwoven or knit to form a structure that is coupled to the stent structure. The mesh structure can at least partially cover or at least be partially covered by the stent structure.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A stent assembly adapted to be implanted in a blood vessel, comprising:
 an inner stent structure of a plurality of interconnected struts;   an outer stent structure of a plurality of interconnected struts, wherein the inner stent structure is positioned within the outer stent structure to form a space therebetween, wherein the inner stent structure and outer stent structure collectively form a stent body sized and shaped to fit within a blood vessel;   a mesh structure having a plurality of pores wherein at least some of the pores comprise tear drop shaped pores, the mesh structure at least partially in the space between the inner stent structure and outer stent structure, wherein the mesh structure is at least partially sandwiched in the space between the inner stent structure and outer stent structure so as to attach the mesh structure to the inner stent structure and outer stent structure.   
     
     
         12 . The stent assembly of  claim 11 , further comprising a hem formed on the mesh structure. 
     
     
         13 . The stent assembly of  claim 12 , wherein at least a portion of one of the inner stent structure and outer stent structure is positioned within the hem. 
     
     
         14 . The stent assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the hem on the mesh structure comprises a portion of the mesh structure folded over itself. 
     
     
         15 . The stent assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the tear drop shaped pores are arranged so that at least two of the tear drop shaped pores have enlarged rounded regions on a first end and smaller regions on a second end, and wherein enlarged rounded regions of at least two of the tear drop shaped pores are in contact with one another. 
     
     
         16 . The stent assembly of  claim 15 , wherein a series of tear drop shaped pores extend along a long axis with the rounded region of a tear drop shaped pore being positioned along the axis at a first end and a pointed region of a tear drop shaped pore positioned along the axis on a second end, wherein the axis is straight.