TRANSLUMINAL STENTS AND RELATED METHODS

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/921,172 filed Mar. 14, 2018, and titled “Transluminal Stents and Related Methods,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/471,746 filed Mar. 15, 2017, and titled “Transluminal Stents and Related Methods,” each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This application generally relates to medical devices. More particularly, this application relates to transluminal stents and related methods.

[0015] Stents are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the stents described herein comprise a hollow cylindrical body having an interior dimension and an exterior dimension and comprising a middle region that extends to a first flared end and also extends to an opposing second flared end. The interior dimension refers to the three dimensional space within the stent, while the exterior dimension refers to the space outside of the stent. As used herein, the hollow cylindrical body may refer to generally cylindrical shapes and forms, including stents with flared ends, for example.

[0016] The first flared end may comprise a first inner shoulder, a first crest, a first outer taper, and a first opening. The first inner shoulder may extend from one end of the middle region to the first crest. A diameter of the first crest may be greater than a diameter of the middle region. The first outer shoulder may extend from the first crest to the first opening. The first opening may provide a first boundary between the interior dimension and the exterior dimension.

[0017] Likewise, the second flared end may comprise a second inner shoulder, a second crest, a second outer taper, and a second opening. The second inner shoulder may extend from one end of the middle region to the second crest. The diameter of the second crest may be greater than a diameter of the middle region. The second outer shoulder may extend from the second crest to the second opening. The second opening may provide a second boundary between the interior dimension and the exterior dimension.

[0018] In some embodiments, the hollow cylindrical body may be characterized by a longitudinal plane that bisects the hollow cylindrical body along its longitudinal axis, may be characterized by a first perpendicular plane that encompasses a circle defined by the first crest, and may be characterized by a second perpendicular plane that encompasses a circle defined by the second crest, where the first and second perpendicular planes are perpendicular to the longitudinal plane. In such embodiments, a profile of at least a portion of the first inner shoulder, the first crest, and at least a portion of the first outer taper may circumscribe a portion of a first elliptical arc of a first ellipse that lies in the longitudinal plane. The first elliptical arc may include an upper antipodal point of the first ellipse and a lower antipodal point of the first ellipse may be outwardly offset along the longitudinal plane relative to the first perpendicular plane and the middle region. Likewise, in such embodiments, a profile of at least a portion of the second inner shoulder, the second crest, and at least a portion of the second outer taper may circumscribe a portion of a second elliptical arc of a second ellipse that lies in the longitudinal plane. The second elliptical arc may include an upper antipodal point of the second ellipse and a lower antipodal point of the second ellipse may be outwardly offset along the longitudinal plane relative to the second perpendicular plane and the middle region.

[0019] In some embodiments, the hollow cylindrical body may comprise braided or woven wires having a constant pitch along a length of the middle region. The braided or woven wires may have a uniformly varying pitch along the first inner shoulder. The braided or woven wires may have a constant pitch at the first crest. The braided or woven wires may have a uniformly varying pitch along the first outer taper. The braided or woven wires may have a uniformly varying pitch along the second inner shoulder. The braided or woven wires may have a constant pitch at the second crest. The braided or woven wires may have a uniformly varying pitch along the second outer taper.

[0020] It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but is merely representative of various embodiments. While various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

[0021] The phrases “communication with” and “coupled to” are used in their ordinary sense, and are broad enough to refer to any suitable coupling or other form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interaction. Two components may interact with each other even though they are not in direct contact with each other. For example, two components may be coupled to each other through an intermediate component. The directional terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein to refer to opposite locations on a component or device. The proximal end of a component or device is defined as the end of the device closest to the practitioner when the device is in normal use by the practitioner. The distal end is the end opposite the proximal end, along the longitudinal direction of the device, or the end farthest from the practitioner during normal use.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a stent 100 in an unelongated and unstretched state, such as when in use in vivo. Stent 100 comprises a hollow cylindrical body 101 having an interior dimension 102 (see FIG. 3) and an exterior dimension 103. The hollow cylindrical body 101 comprises a middle region 110 that extends to a first flared end 120 and also extends to an opposing second flared end 130.

[0023] In some embodiments, the overall length of the stent 100 in the unelongated and unstretched state may range from 15 to 36 mm, including ranging from 20 to 34 mm or from 24 to 28 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the first flared end 120 and/or the second flared end 130 in the unelongated and unstretched state may each range from 3.5 to 8 mm, including ranging from 6 to 8 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the middle region 110 in the unelongated and unstretched state may range from 8 to 20 mm, including ranging from 10 to 16 mm.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 in an elongated and stretched state, such as when loaded in a stent pod of a delivery catheter prior to deployment in vivo.

[0025] In some embodiments, the overall length of the stent 100 in the elongated and stretched state may range from 40 to 74 mm, including ranging from 46 to 72 mm or from 60 to 70 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the first flared end 120 and/or the second flared end 130 in the elongated and stretched state may each range from 15 to 23 mm, including ranging from 16 to 21 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the middle region 110 in the elongated and stretched state may range from 15 to 23 mm, including ranging from 16 to 21 mm.

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates the shape of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1. The first flared end comprises a first inner shoulder 122, a first crest 124, a first outer taper 126, and a first opening 128. The first inner shoulder 122 extends from a proximal end 112 of the middle region 110 to the first crest 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the first crest 124 is greater than the diameter of the middle region 110, for example, about 1.3 to about 2.9 times, such as about 1.4 to about 2.9 and such as about 1.3 to about 2.0, the diameter of the middle region 110. The first outer taper 126 extends from the first crest 124 to the first opening 128. The first opening 128 provides a first boundary between the interior dimension 102 and the exterior dimension 103.

[0027] Likewise, the second flared end 130 comprises a second inner shoulder 132, a second crest 134, a second outer taper 136, and a second opening 138. The second inner shoulder 132 extends from the distal end 113 of the middle region 110 to the second crest 134. The diameter of the second crest 134 is greater than the diameter of the middle region 110, for example, about 1.6 to about 2.5 times the diameter of the middle region 110. The second outer taper 136 extends from the second crest 134 to the second opening 138. The second opening 138 provides a second boundary between the interior dimension 102 and the exterior dimension 103. In the illustrated embodiments, the diameter of the first opening 128 is greater than the diameter of the middle region 110, but less than the diameter of the first crest 124. Likewise, the diameter of the second opening 138 is greater than the diameter of the middle region 110, but less than the diameter of the second crest 134. This can facilitate removal of the stent 100 from a mandrel 200, as will be discussed more below in relation to FIG. 8.

[0028] This can also reduce particle entrapment during drainage via the interior dimension 102. Particles and fluid can tend to fill the interior dimension 102 of the first and second flared ends 120 and 130 during use, such as drainage of the gall bladder, a biliary tract, or a pancreatic cyst. When the diameter of the first and second openings 128 and 138 are the same diameter or smaller than the diameter of the middle region 110, this can make removal of fluid and particles from the interior dimension 102 of the first and second flared ends 120 and 130 difficult. Increasing the diameter of the first and second openings 128 and 138, relative to the diameter of the middle region 110, can facilitate particle and fluid removal from the interior dimension 102 of the first and second flared ends 120 and 130.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment, the first crest 124 may form a planar region (cylindrical region from a perspective view) parallel to the middle region 110. In this alternative embodiment, the diameter of the first crest 124 could still be greater than the diameter of the middle region 110. Likewise, the second crest 134 may form a planar region parallel to the middle region 110.

[0030] In addition, the first opening 128 may comprise a cylindrical region that proximally extends the longitudinal length of the stent 100. The first opening 128 would terminate at the proximal end of the cylindrical region. The cylindrical region would be coaxial with the longitudinal axis 104. The planar surface of the cylindrical region (from a profile view) would be parallel to the middle region 110. Likewise, the second opening 138 may comprise a cylindrical region that distally extends the longitudinal length of the stent 100. The second opening 138 would terminate at the distal end of the cylindrical region.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates the hollow cylindrical body 101 bisected in a longitudinal plane along its longitudinal axis 104. The hollow cylindrical body 101 is characterized by a first perpendicular plane 123 that encompasses a circle defined by the first crest 124 and characterized by a second perpendicular plane 133 that encompasses a circle defined by the second crest 134. The first and second perpendicular planes 123 and 133 are perpendicular to the longitudinal plane (i.e., the page). In the illustrated embodiment, a profile of at least a portion of the first inner shoulder 122, the first crest 124, and at least a portion of the first outer taper 126 circumscribe a first elliptical arc 142 of a first ellipse 140 that lies in the longitudinal plane. The first elliptical arc 142 includes an upper antipodal point 144 and a lower antipodal point 146. The upper antipodal point 144 is inwardly inset relative to the first perpendicular plane 123 (and the middle region 110) and the lower antipodal point 146 is outwardly offset relative to the first perpendicular plane 123. Likewise, in such embodiments, a profile of at least a portion of the second inner shoulder 132, the second crest 134, and at least a portion of the second outer taper circumscribes a second elliptical arc 152 of a second ellipse 150 that lies in the longitudinal plane (i.e., the page). The second elliptical arc 152 includes an upper antipodal point 154 and a lower antipodal point 156 of the second ellipse. The upper antipodal point 154 is inwardly inset relative to the second perpendicular plane 133 (and the middle region 110) and the lower antipodal point 156 is outwardly offset relative to the second perpendicular plane 133.

[0032] For example, the lower antipodal point 146 may be outwardly offset along the longitudinal plane 104 relative to the first perpendicular plane 123 and the major axis 145 of the first ellipse 140 by an angle θ₁ of about 5 degrees to about 60 degrees, about 10 degrees to about 45 degrees, about 10 degrees to about 40 degrees, or about 10 degrees to about 25 degrees. Likewise, for example, the lower antipodal point 156 may be outwardly offset along the longitudinal plane 104 relative to the second perpendicular plane 133 and the major axis 145 by an angle θ₂ of about −5 degrees to about −60 degrees, about −10 degrees to about −45 degrees, about −10 degrees to about −40 degrees, or about −10 degrees to about −25 degrees.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiments, the profile of the second flared end 130 is a mirror image of the first flared end 120. In alternative embodiments, the shape of the second flared end 120 may differ from the shape of the first flared end 110, in some cases, significantly.

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of stent 100′ where θ₁ (as defined by the first perpendicular plane 123′ and the major axis of the first ellipse 145′) and θ₂ (θ₂ not shown) are about 45 degrees and −45 degrees, respectively. It should be understood that the disclosure regarding the stent 100 applies equally to the stent 100′, other than as specifically delineated. In FIG. 4, the first elliptical arc 142′ of the first ellipse 140′ circumscribes a portion of the first shoulder 122′, but does not extend to the first perpendicular region 122a′. Likewise, the first elliptical arc 142′ circumscribes a portion of the first outer taper 126′, but does not extend to the first opening 128′.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiments, the first inner shoulder 122 comprises a first perpendicular region 122a concentrically surrounding and perpendicular to the middle region 110. The first elliptical arc 142 extends from the first perpendicular region 122a, along the first crest 124, and along the first outer taper 126 to the first opening 128. Likewise, the second inner shoulder 132 comprises a second perpendicular region 132a concentrically surrounding and perpendicular to the middle region 110. The second elliptical arc 152 extends from the second perpendicular region 132a, along the second crest 134, and along the second outer taper 136 to the second opening 138. The first and second perpendicular regions 122a and 132a facilitate retention of the first and second inner shoulders 122 and 132 against tissue walls when the stent 100 is in use, as compared to flared ends 120 and 130 that do not include surfaces perpendicular to the middle region 110 in the inner shoulders 122 and 132.

[0036] In contrast, in the illustrated embodiments, the first and second outer tapers 126 and 136 do not include regions perpendicular to the middle region 110. This increases stiffness of the first and second flared ends 120 and 130, relative to a flared end that includes a perpendicular region in an outer shoulder. For example, a flared end that includes a symmetrical inner shoulder and outer shoulder (i.e., mirror image profiles), where both the inner shoulder and the outer shoulder include perpendicular regions, can tend to deflect more outwardly (relative to the middle region) when in use, as compared to embodiments such as the illustrated embodiments where the inner shoulders 122 and 132 include perpendicular regions 122a and 132a, but the outer tapers 126 and 136 do not include corresponding perpendicular regions. In alternative embodiments, one or both of the first and second outer tapers 126 and 136 may include regions perpendicular to the middle region 110.

[0037] Turning now to FIG. 5, the hollow cylindrical body 101 may comprise braided or woven wires 160. FIG. 5A is a close-up view of a planarized version of the middle region 110 of the stent 100. This close-up view illustrates the braid pattern, the pitch, and the braid angle α of the middle region 110. The braid pattern of the middle region 110 (and of the entire stent 100) is a one-wire, two-over, two-under braid pattern (referred to as a “one over two” pattern), which means that a single strand passes over two strands (or two different portions of itself, such as in a single wire braid design) and then under two other strands (or yet two other portions of itself, such as in a single wire braid design). Specifically, a first strand 160a (or a first length 160a of a single strand) passes over a first intersecting strand 160v (or a first intersecting length 160v of a single strand), then passes over a second intersecting strand 160w (or a second intersecting length 160w of a single strand), passes under a third intersecting strand 160x (or a third intersecting length 160x of a single strand), and then passes under a fourth intersecting strand 160y (or a fourth intersecting length 160y of a single strand). The first strand 160a then repeats the pattern with additional strands. An adjacent second strand 160b (or a second length 160b of a single strand) offsets the pattern. Starting with the second intersecting strand 160w, the second strand 160b passes over the second intersecting strand 160w, passes over the third intersecting strand 160x, passes under the fourth intersecting strand 160y, and then passes under a fifth intersecting strand 160z. The one over two pattern may allow for easier elongation of the stent 100. For example, during elongation of the stent 100, a one over two pattern may facilitate change in the angle of intersection of the wires may as adjacent wires tend to align more with each other during elongation of the stent 100 (causing the intersecting wires to come together like scissors closing), which in turn may allow for use with a low-profile delivery catheter.

[0038] Alternative braid patterns may be used as well, such as a one-wire, one-over, one-under braid pattern (referred to as a “one over one” pattern). This braid pattern tends to facilitate stent removal from mandrels. Other possible braid patterns include the diamond two-wire, one-over, one-under braid pattern and the diamond two, two-over, two-under braid pattern.

[0039] In some embodiments, the braid pattern may lead to differing cell requirements over the length of the stent 100. A cell refers to the design created by the braid pattern. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates a diamond cell, however, alternative cell designs may be used in the stent 100. Thus, depending on stent length and braid pattern, the braid designs may result in fractional and non-fractional cell counts. In other words, a stent may be designed such that a full braid pattern is completed on each end of the stent and/or the stent comprises only full braid patterns along the length of the sent. Non-fractional cell counts refer to a whole cell count. For example a stent may have, 20, 30, 40, 50, or more full cell counts, or full braid patterns along its length. Fractional cell counts refer to fractional cell count numbers, 20.5, 30.5, 40.5, 50.5 or more, meaning the stent has a whole number of full cell counts in addition to a partial cell (or braid pattern) along the length of the stent. In some embodiments, the braid pattern may be one over one and may have a fractional or non-fractional cell count. In some embodiments, the braid pattern may be one over two and may have a fractional or non-fractional cell count.

[0040] The braid angle α is an angle formed by a given strand of the braided or woven wires 160, such as the second strand 160b, relative to the longitudinal axis 104 of the stent 100, when viewed as illustrated in FIG. 5A. A larger (higher) braid angle, approaching, for example, 90 degrees, results in a higher pick count (number of points of intersection of the strands 160) per given longitudinal length (e.g., an inch) of a given braid (or weaving) pattern. The higher pick count can produce greater stiffness (i.e., a lower degree of compressibility). A smaller (lower) braid angle results in a lower pick count per given longitudinal length, which can result in greater softness (i.e., less stiffness and a higher degree of compressibility). For example, in the illustrated embodiments, the braid angle α for the middle region 110 is about 45 degrees.

[0041] The pitch (i.e., lengthwise distance between intersecting strands) also impacts the compressibility and stiffness of the braided or woven wires 160. The pitch of the middle region 110 (Pm) is illustrated in FIG. 5A between first and second strands 160a and 160b. The Pm is governed by the number of strands interwoven (or interbraided) with each other and the braid angle α. For example, the Pm may be about 0.75 mm to about 2.25 mm for middle region 110 diameters of about 6 mm to about 26 mm. The Pm may be constant, as in the illustrated embodiments. The length of the middle region 110 may be any length, such as, for example, about 5 mm to about 3 cm.

[0042] Referring again to FIG. 5, the braided or woven wires 160 have a uniformly varying pitch along the first inner shoulder 122 (Pi), have a uniform pitch at the first crest 124 (Pc), and have a uniformly varying pitch along the first outer taper 126 (Po). Likewise, in the illustrated embodiment, the braided or woven wires 160 have a correspondingly uniform varying pitch along the second inner shoulder 132, have a correspondingly uniform pitch at the second crest 134, and a correspondingly uniform varying pitch along the second outer taper 136.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiments, Pc is less than Pm. In some embodiments, for smaller diameter stents, such as 6 mm and 8 mm stents, the Pc may be greater than Pm. Likewise, in some embodiments, for larger diameter stents, such as 10 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm stents, the Pc may be less than Pm. For example, the Pc may be about 1.4 mm to about 2.0 mm, such as about 1.6 mm to about 1.8 mm, which may be more or less than the Pm.

[0044] Additionally, in the illustrated embodiments, Pi is continuously decreasing from the middle region 110 to the first crest 124. In contrast, Po is continuously increasing from the first crest 124 to the first opening 128. It should be understood that the uniform pitch of Pc refers to an instantaneous pitch at the first crest 124 governed by the braid angle β. The instantaneous pitch of Pc does not mean that the braided or woven wires 160 need to intersect at the first crest 124. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiments, the pitch is increasing distal to the first crest 124 (the first inner shoulder 122) and increasing proximal to the first crest 124 (the first outer taper 126). Therefore, there is not a constant pitch as there is for the middle region 110. However, the instantaneous pitch dictates the theoretical pitch of intersecting strands if they were laid out in a constant planar fashion, as in FIG. 5A, but utilizing the braid angle β and spacing dictated by the diameter of the first crest 124 and the number of braided or woven wires 160 utilized. It is the instantaneous pitch for Pc that is uniform as the braided or woven wires 160 cross the first crest 124.

[0045] Or stated another way, the braid angle continuously increases from the proximal end 112 of the middle region 110 to the first crest 124, and even though the diameter of the stent 100 is increasing as well, the pitch is continuously decreasing. The instantaneous braid angle β is uniform for all braided or woven wires 160 around the circumference of the first crest 124. The braid angle decreases from the first crest 124 to the first opening 128, and even though the diameter of the stent 100 is decreasing, the pitch continuously increases.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the pitch of the braided or woven wires 160 at the first opening 128 is greater than the constant pitch Pm of the middle region 110. This may facilitate release from the mandrel 200 during manufacture. However, it may be desirable to have the Po at the opening 128 (i.e., the braid angle) be as small as possible, while still allowing for release from the mandrel. For example, the Po may be configured to allow the braided or woven wires 160 at the first opening 128 to expand almost equal to the diameter of the first crest 124. It should be understood that the discussion regarding pitch and braid angles for the first flared end 120 may apply equally to the second flared end 130.

[0047] As discussed above, in some embodiments, Pc may be equal to or greater than Pm. In such embodiments, the pitch of Pi may be continuously increasing or stay constant. In such embodiments, the pitch of Po may be decreasing, stay constant, or be increasing.

[0048] In some embodiments, the various pitches allow the stent 100 to be elongated and loaded into a 10.8 French or smaller catheter. It should be understood that the description regarding braid angle and pitches for the first flared end 120 applies equally to the second flared end 130.

[0049] FIG. 5 illustrates a suture line 185 woven through the first end loops 129. The suture line 185 may aid with loading of the stent 100 into a catheter and also aid with removal from a patient. The suture line 185 may be woven in such a way that pulling it has a “purse string” effect on the first opening 128. Additionally or alternatively, a suture line may be woven through the second end loops 139. The suture line 185 may be configured to be permanent or to be removable after the stent 100 is in place in a patient. The suture line 185 may be woven in place after a cover 180 (discussed in more detail below) has encapsulated the braided or woven wires 160, thereby allowing free movement of the suture line 185. The ends of the suture line 185 may be secured by a variety of ways, depending on the material of the suture line 185. For example, when the suture line 185 is made of a fiber, such as Teleflex Force Fiber, then the ends of the suture line 185 may be secured via a knot, adhesives, or a combination thereof. In another example, when the suture line 185 comprises a metal cable, then the ends may be secured via crimping, a metal band, or combinations thereof.

[0050] The braided or woven wires 160 may be braided or woven in a given pattern in accordance with an appropriate braid design, such as a closed-loop braid design, a single wire woven design, an endless braid design, or the like. The stent 100 of the illustrated embodiments is configured as a closed-loop braid design in which multiple strands are interlaced in a first direction (e.g., a distal direction) and then turn and are interlaced back in an opposite second direction (e.g., back in the proximal direction). The closed-loop braid design allows for fully automated or partially automated braiding (e.g., interlacing) of the multiple strands. In other embodiments, the stent 100 may be configured as a single wire woven design in which a single strand is woven (e.g., interlaced) with itself. It should be understood that when woven wires 160 are referenced herein that the ends of a single strand will overlap with itself. In still other embodiments, the stent 100 may have an endless braid design in which multiple strands are interlaced, generated, for example, by an automated process braiding in a single direction. An endless braid design may involve a braiding process that interlaces strands from one end to the other (e.g., does not involve a turn and return in the opposite direction). The endless braid design may involve more welds than the closed-loop braid design. A skilled artisan having the benefit of this disclosure can appreciate that a stent or implantable prosthesis of the present disclosure may have a construction of any of a single wire woven design, an endless braid design, or a closed-loop design and that such construction may utilize any suitable braid pattern.

[0051] The braided or woven wires 160 may include varying numbers of strands. For example, a smaller diameter stent, such as a 6 mm (based on the middle region 110 diameter), may include 24 strands (12 wires if a closed-loop braid design) and a larger diameter stent, such as a 20 mm, may include 64 strands (32 wires if a closed-loop braid design).

[0052] When braided or woven in a closed-loop braid design, the braided or woven wires 160 may start and stop at various locations on the stent 100. For example, individual braided wires 160 may be braided starting from the second flared end 130, through the middle region 110, through the first flared end 120, to the first opening 128, back through the first flared end 120, back through the middle region 110, and back through the second flared end 130. In other embodiments, the braided or woven wires 160 may start in the middle region 110.

[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates such an example where the beginning and the end of each of the individual braided wires 160 overlap with other individual braided wires 160 underneath an intersecting strand along the second outer taper 136 and not at the second opening 138. For example, the second strand 160b is illustrated as bent about 90 degrees and then intersecting the first strand 160a. The interior region of the bent second strand 160b defines a second end loop 139 and the exterior defines a portion of the second opening 138.

[0054] FIG. 6 illustrates the use of spot welds 170 to secure each strand to another strand, such as the first strand 160a′ to another strand 160a″. In this embodiment, the overlap extends to either side of the intersection underneath the third intersecting strand 160x and the spot welds 170a and 170b are on either side the intersection. Other alternatives include increasing the length of the overlap and placing spot weld 170b on an opposing side of a second intersecting strand, such as the fourth intersecting strand 160y. Alternatively, the tension of the braid pattern may be used to secure the first strand 160a to itself, without spot welds 170. For example, as illustrated, a stub end 160b′ of the bent second strand 160b resides on the interior of the joint with a long end 160b″ of another strand. The tension of the joint helps hold the stub end 160b′ in place. Moreover, the ends of the stands may be inserted into a sleeve and then the sleeve crimped (not shown). One of ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure, would understand that a variety of termination strategies may be used to secure the first strand 160a to itself (and likewise for securing two separate strands together). Securing the ends of the stands 160 to each other at a location other than the first and second openings 128 and 138 decreases strain on the joint, as compared, for example, to welding the ends to each other to form the second end loop 139. However, in some embodiments, the ends of the strands 160 may be welded to each other to form the first and second end loops 129 and 139.

[0055] FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of the braided or woven wires 160 starting and terminating in the middle region 110. Embodiments wherein the strand ends terminate anywhere within the middle region 110 and no strand ends are disposed within the first flared end 120 and the second flared end 130 are within the scope of this disclosure. The termination strategies discussed above with respect to terminating wires at the first and second outer tapers 126 and 136 apply to this embodiment as well.

[0056] FIG. 6 further illustrates a radiopaque coil 172 slid over the second strand 160b between the bend and the intersection with the first strand 160a. The radiopaque coil 172 may be locked in place by the bend and the intersection. The radiopaque coil 172 may also be placed in other locations, such as at the bend. The radiopaque coil 172 may comprise a tightly wound wire, such as a 25 micron wire. The wire may comprise platinum and tungsten or other radiopaque materials, such as platinum and iridium. The radiopaque coil 172 may be evenly spaced on the second end loops 139 circumscribing the second opening 138 and likewise for the first end loops 129 (see FIG. 7). A few of the radiopaque coils 172 may also be placed in the middle region 110. A number of alternatives to the radiopaque coils 172 exist, for example, the braided or woven wires 160 (or only a few of them) may be made of a radiopaque material, such as DFT wire with a nickel-titanium sheath with a platinum core.

[0057] The first end loops 129 may uniformly peak at the first end plane 127 (see FIGS. 2 and 5) and the second end loops 139 uniformly peak at the second end plane 137 (see FIGS. 3 and 5). Alternatively, the first and second end loops 129 and 139 may be staggered, such as illustrated in FIG. 7 for the first end loops 129″ of the stent 100″. It should be understood that the disclosure regarding the stent 100 applies equally to the stent 100″ and vice versa.

[0058] The braided or woven wires 160 forming the stent 100 may comprise any suitable material known in the art, including plastics and memory alloys. In some embodiments, the braided or woven wires 160 may be Nitinol, including ASTM F2063. In one embodiment, the thickness of a memory alloy strand of the braided or woven wires 160 may be about 0.003 in. to about 0.009 in. In other embodiments, the thickness may be about 0.005 in. to about 0.065 in., such as for about 6 mm to about 20 mm in diameter (middle region 110) stents. Generally speaking, smaller wires may be used with smaller diameter stents and larger diameter wires may be used with larger diameter stents.

[0059] FIG. 7 illustrates that the stent 100″ further includes a cover 180″ coupled to the braided or woven wires 160″. The cover 180″ can further define the interior dimension 102″ and the outer dimension 103″. The cover 180″ may be elastomeric, polymeric, or comprised of any other material known in the art. In some embodiments, the cover may include silicone, while in certain embodiments the cover may be comprised only of silicone, such as Nusil MED-4055 for short-term implants or MED-4755 for long-term implants. 55 durometer and higher silicones may facilitate crimping into low-profile catheters, such as a 10.8 French sized catheter.

[0060] In some embodiments, the cover 180 (see FIG. 5) may be applied such that it tends to ebb and flow into spaces between portions of the braided or woven wires 160, resulting in a “tire tread” like outer surface, rather than a smooth outer cover. In some embodiments such a design may be configured to allow tissue to lock into the uneven spaces and treads, thus adding anti-migration properties in some instances.

[0061] In some embodiments the cover 180 may include multiple subparts or layers. For example, in some embodiments the cover 180 may be a two-part design. Such two-part covers may be composed of a base cover which encapsulates the braided or woven wires 160 and a second cover which may be applied after the first cover cures. In certain embodiments, the second cover may only be applied to the outside diameter of the stent 100 and may chemically bond to the first cover layer. Multiple-layered covers may be configured such that the primary layer adds elasticity or resiliency to the stent while the second, outer layer reduces friction along the outside diameter. Manufacturing aids, such as MED-400 silicone, may be present as well. Manufacturing aids may help with crimping and loading, reduce deployment force, and increase the shelf life of the stent 100. It is within the scope of this disclosure to use any of the exemplary materials for any of the layers.

[0062] In FIG. 7, the cover 180″ extends beyond the first end loops 129″, further narrowing the circumference of the first opening 128″. In such embodiments, the cover 180″ may extend about 0.2 mm to about 1 mm beyond the wires.

[0063] Regarding manufacturing of the stent 100, initially, a first mandrel (not shown) may be used. The first mandrel may have an outer cylindrical surface with a constant cylindrical shape and have a diameter equal to the diameter of the middle region 110 of the stent 100. The braided or woven wires 160 (when they constitute a shape-memory material) may be braided or woven so as to have a first end region, a middle region, and a second end region along the first mandrel. The middle region may have a constant pitch and the first and second end regions may have continuously varying pitches.

[0064] FIG. 5B illustrates an example of the various pitches that may be braided or woven onto the first mandrel to achieve the pitches of the stent 100 when the stent 100 is stretched into final form. FIG. 5B illustrates continuous wires 300 that may be used for providing the braided or woven wires 160. Starting from the middle, region 310 corresponds to middle region 110 of the stent 100. Region 322 corresponds to the first inner shoulder 122 of the stent 100. Region 332 corresponds to the second inner shoulder 132 of the stent 100. Region 326 corresponds to the first outer taper 126 of the stent 100. Region 336 corresponds to the second outer taper 136 of the stent 100. Likewise, line 312 corresponds to the proximal end 112 of the middle region 110 and line 313 corresponds to the distal end 113. Line 324 corresponds to the first crest 124 and line 334 corresponds to the second crest 134. Line 328 corresponds to the first opening 128 and line 338 corresponds to the second opening 138. Regions 300a and 300b facilitate manufacturing and separate one set of braided or woven wires 160 from a second set of braided or woven wires 160.

[0065] When braided or woven onto the first mandrel, the Pm may be constant and may be the same as it will be in the stent 100; however, the Pi, Pc, and Po are not. The Pc is greater than the Pi and Po, which are both greater than the Pm. Once formed into the stent 100, the Pc will be less than the Pm, as discussed previously.

[0066] FIG. 8 illustrates a second mandrel 200 for use in manufacturing the stent 100. The second mandrel 200, when assembled, matches the shape of the stent 100. The second mandrel 200 includes two parts, a first end 200a and a second end 200b. The second mandrel 200, when assembled, includes a middle cylindrical region 210 that matches the diameter of the middle region 110 of the stent 100. Likewise, the first part 200a includes a first flared end 220 that matches the shape of the first flared end 120. The second part 200b includes a second flared end 230 that matches the shape of the second flared end 130. The second part 200b includes a plug 201 for insertion into a receiver 202 of the first part 200a. One of skill in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure, would understand that a variety of structures and approaches may be used to connect the first part 200a to the second part 200b.

[0067] A set of braided or woven wires 160 is cut in the regions 300a and 300b to separate it from the continuous wires 300. The braided or woven wires 160 may then be removed from the first mandrel. The first and second parts 200a and 200b may be slid into the braided or woven wires 160 until the first and second parts 200a and 200b are joined together. Regions 310, 322, 326, 332 and 336 may then be aligned over the middle region 210, the first flared end 220, and the second flared end 230 of the second mandrel 200. The pitches of Pi, Pc, and Po change as the braided or woven wires 160 are slid in place over the second mandrel 200. The braided or woven wires 160 are then set in place, such as with heat.

[0068] After being heat-set, for example, the braided or woven wires 160 may be removed from the second mandrel 200. The second mandrel 200 may be separated into two parts and removed from inside the stent 100. The Po pitch allows the braided or woven wires 160 to scissor sufficient to allow removal of from the first and second parts of the second mandrel 200 without damage.

[0069] The braided or woven wires 160 may then be placed on a third mandrel that is the same shape as the mandrel 200 for coating. The third mandrel may be polished to thereby leave a surface roughness on the cover 180 equal to or less than 2 Ra (arithmetic average of roughness profile). As with the second mandrel 200, the Po pitch allows the braided or woven wires 160 to scissor sufficient to allow removal of from the first and second parts of the third mandrel without damage.

[0070] The stents disclosed herein, such as the stent 100, may be used for draining one lumen of a patient into another lumen of a patient, such as, for example, transgastric or transduodenal drainage of a pancreatic pseudocyst, of a biliary tract, of a gallbladder. An access port may be created between a first lumen of the patient and a second lumen of the patient. For examples, NOTES (natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery) may be used to create the access port between the lumens. The first lumen may be the gastrointestinal tract (for example, the esophagus, stomach, pylorus, or bowel) of the patient. The second lumen may be the gallbladder, a pancreatic cyst, a biliary tract, or some other lumen that needs drainage. A delivery catheter with the stent loaded in an elongated and stretched state may be introduced through the working channel of an echoendoscope or other device. The second flared end (in its stretched and elongated state) may be introduced through the access port into the second lumen and then the second flared end released so that the second flared end is secured against a luminal wall of the second lumen. The first flared end can then be released so that the first flared end is secured against a luminal wall of the first lumen. In its unstretched and unelongated state, the interior dimension of the stent provides fluidic communication between the first and second lumens. The second lumen can passively drain into the first lumen or the second lumen can be actively drained by insertion of other tools through the interior dimension into the second lumen to remove material from the second lumen (such as, for example, gallstones or malignant or necrotic tissue).

[0071] Any methods disclosed herein include one or more steps or actions for performing the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified. Moreover, only a portion of a method described herein may be a separate method. Stated otherwise, some methods may include only a portion of the steps described in a more detailed method.

[0072] Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “the embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or variations thereof, as recited throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0073] Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require more features than those expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following this Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims with their dependent claims.

[0074] Recitation in the claims of the term “first” with respect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the existence of a second or additional such feature or element. It will be apparent to those having skill in the art that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of this disclosure.