Patent US4550447A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4550447A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vascular graft prosthesis
Assignee: Livanova Holding USA Inc
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Filing: 1983-08-03
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Granted: 1985-11-05
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Expires: 2003-08-03
Abstract
Abstract A porous tube suitable for use as a vascular graft prosthesis is disclosed. It is reinforced by external ribs, integral with the tube wall. These ribs are generally transverse to the tube axis and less porous than the wall. Suitable tubing can be made from polymers exhibiting a significant degree of crystallinity, preferably polytetrafluoroethylene. Methods for making these ribbed, porous tubes are also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Louis Seiler, Jr.
- 👤 Robert F. Rosenbluth
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 22:20
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61L; A61L27/00; A61L27/50; A61L27/507; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/04; A61F2/06; A61L27/14; A61L27/16; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S264/00; Y10S264/47
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
47 words
A flexible, monolithic, polymer tube comprising: a porous tube wall having a microstructure of interconnected nodes and fibers, and a generally transverse regular, repeating pattern of external ribs on said wall, said ribs being an integral part of said wall and being less porous than said wall.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
47 words
A flexible, monolithic, polymer tube comprising: a porous tube wall having a microstructure of interconnected nodes and fibers, and a generally transverse regular, repeating pattern of external ribs on said wall, said ribs being an integral part of said wall and being less porous than said wall.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
71 words
A vascular graft prosthesis comprising: a flexible, monolithic, polymer tube, said tube having a wall and a closely spaced, generally transverse regular, repeating pattern of ribs on the external surface of said wall, said wall, having a microstructure of interconnected nodes and fibers and having a porosity suitable for use as a vascular graft, and said ribs being an integral part of said wall and being less porous than said wall.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
71 words
A vascular graft prosthesis comprising: a flexible, monolithic, polymer tube, said tube having a wall and a closely spaced, generally transverse regular, repeating pattern of ribs on the external surface of said wall, said wall, having a microstructure of interconnected nodes and fibers and having a porosity suitable for use as a vascular graft, and said ribs being an integral part of said wall and being less porous than said wall.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The vascular graft prosthesis of claim 2, wherein said polymer is polytetrafluoroethylene.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The vascular graft prosthesis of claim 3, wherein the internal surface of the tube is macroscopically smooth.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The vascular graft prosthesis of claim 4, wherein said ribs are about 20% to 70% as high as said tube wall is thick.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The vascular graft prosthesis of claim 5, wherein said ribs are spaced about 10-100 per linear inch of tube surface.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The vascular graft prosthesis of claim 6, wherein said ribs are in the form of a helix about the tube axis.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The vascular graft prosthesis of claim 6, wherein said ribs are annular in form.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The vascular graft prosthesis of claim 6, wherein said ribs are in a reticular pattern.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-11-04 | 1989-05-06 | 1989-11-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-11-04 | 1993-05-06 | 1993-11-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-11-04 | 1997-05-06 | 1997-11-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |