An automatically controlled expansion stent with an expandable stent body, actuation means for expanding the stent body, and control means for controlling the actuation means. The body of the stent is tubular and is made up of layers of materials covering a plurality of radial expansion trusses. The stent uses MEMS motors controlled by of a programmable logic device to expand the trusses and the body of the stent. Interconnects are used to transmit the power from the motor to the tubes for expansion. Interconnects are pivotally connected to the motors and allow the pull wires be connected through the trusses. When the MEMS motor is activated, the trusses comprise many hinged links that create the symmetrical expansion.

The invention described herein provides an instrument for medical use with structure and a motorized control mechanism that is adapted to reduce the risk of restenosis and vascular tissue injury that can be associated with traditional stenting techniques. The medical device is constructed in a way that provides adequate initial scaffolding for deployment, and permits an active and controlled expansion of the stent at deployment and over the lifetime of the medical device using multiple intermediate diameters to afixed maximum diameter. For larger devices the device allows an increase in its diameter from its proximal end to the distal.

In a preferred embodiment the medical device comprises an stent with an overall tubular shape. The body of the stent is defined by a plurality of radial expansion trusses joined to each other longitudinally via a number of interconnects that run around the circumference of the expansion trusses giving the longitudinal structure rigidity and the tubular scaffolding of the device. The tubular scaffolding’s inner and outer surfaces are either coated with thin, flexible film shape memoryalloy, polymeric materials or a different expandable material.

The expansion trusses have a number of hinged links which allow the radial trusses of expanding and contract in synchronized manner. They are joined to each other by the ball-and-socket assembly. The device that expands radially expands as energy is applied to the link. The movement of at least one Micro Electro Mechanical System Motor (MEMS) on the radial extension trusses causes the device to expand. The MEMS motors apply force to the pull wire or lead screw, which is then fastened to the appropriate links in the radial expansion trusses. It is recommended that at least one load cell or pressure sensor is utilized to detect forces that are applied to the vascular tissues, either controlled by detecting pressure on the stent body or indirectly by sensing resistance to pull on the wires. The sensors transmit the pressure information to a microprocessor, miniature PLC or any another control logic that controls the MEMS and , consequently, the force imparted to the lead or pull wire screw by the MEMS. The balloon catheter does not need to be used to expand, deliver or deploy the device.

A stent could be made by using a shape memory or any alloy of metal which is then twisted to form an elongated shape. The active control of expansion of the form memory coiled or any other metal alloy (with precut expandableslots), is provided by at minimum one MEMS Motor attached to the inside edges of the shape memory. MEMS motors employ a pinion drive that is mounted on a shaft. The gear extends through a slot within the form memory or any other alloy made of metal. A raised gear rack connects to the inner surface of any shape memory or metallic alloy in a linear way that is centered in the same radial direction with the pinion gear and slot. A cross section of the track will assume the general shape, with an lower section with a lower cross-sectional dimension than the upper portion which is the track’s surface. The top of the track has an an arc-like shape that is similar to the pinion gear used by the MEMS motor, providing a positive traction surface for the expansion of the radial Stent. The lower portion of the gear rack acts as an attachment point for the shape memory or any metallic alloy.

The outside of the shape memory coiled or any metallic alloy employs an elongated groove that is opposite to the gear rack that is located on the inside area of the coiled shape memory. The groove has a reciprocal shape to the rack. This allows for insertion of the rack into the groove when the shape memory or any metallic alloy is in the state of being coiled, and permits the rack to move in the groove. The groove’s reciprocal shape prevents the rack from sliding out the groove, while preserving the overall tubular structure. The MEMS motor and gear assembly allow a mechanism to unravel the shape memory or any alloy of metallic, thus expanding the radial axis in a controlled manner. At least one pressure sensor is used to detect the force that are applied to the vascular tissues. The sensor feeds the information about pressure to a microchip, which regulates the force applied to the gear via the MEMS motor.

Click here to view the patent on USPTO website.

 

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The government grants patents to protect an invention patents give the inventor with the exclusive right to develop, utilize and sell the invention? Society is benefited when a brand new technology is introduced into the marketplace. These benefits may be directly realized as individuals are able to accomplish previously impossible feats, or indirectly by the opportunities for economic growth that innovation provides (business growth, employment).

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Write down a short, but precise description of the invention. Do not use generic terms such as “device,” “process,” and “system.” Instead, consider synonyms to the terms you selected initially. Also, make note of key technical terms and key words.

Utilize the following questions to help you find key words or concepts.

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2. These terms will enable you to find pertinent Cooperative Patent Classifications at Classification Search Tool. To determine the most suitable classification for your invention, scan the classification’s class Schemes (class schedules). If you do not get results from the Classification Text Search, you might consider substituting your words for describing your invention with synonyms.

3. Go through 3. Go over the CPC Classification Definition to verify the validity of the CPC classification that you have discovered. If the chosen classification has a blue box with a “D” at its left, the link will lead you to a CPC description of the classification. CPC classification definitions can be used to determine the relevant classification’s scope and therefore you’re sure to choose the most pertinent. These definitions may also include research tips or other suggestions that could be helpful for further research.

4. The Patents Full-Text Database and the Image Database allow you to retrieve patent documents that include the CPC classification. You can look through and find the most relevant patent publications by focussing first on abstract and the drawings that are representative.

5. This selection of patent publications is the most appropriate to examine for similarity with your invention. Pay close attention to the claims and specifications. Contact the applicant as well as the patent examiner to obtain additional patents.

6. Search for patent applications that have been published using the CPC classification you chose in Step 3 from the Applications Full-Text and Image Database. It is also possible to use the same strategy of searching you employed in Step 4 to narrow down your search results to the most relevant patents by reading the abstracts and drawings on every page. Then, you must carefully review the patent applications published, paying particular attention to the claims as well as additional drawings.

7. You can find other US patent publications by keywords in the AppFT and PatFT databases, and also classification searching for non-U.S. Patents, as listed below. You can also make use of search engines on the internet to find non-patent patent disclosures in literature about inventions. For example:

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To review your search, you can hire a registered patent attorney to assist. A preliminary search will help one better prepare to talk about their invention and other related inventions with a professional patent attorney. In addition, the attorney will not spend too much time or money on patenting basics.