Endoprosthesis having foot extensions

Abstract

Endoprosthesis, such as a stent, includes at least one annular element defined by a first set of strut members interconnected to define apices proximate opposite sides of the annular element. The annular element further includes a foot extension extending between at least one pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. The foot extension has first and second foot portions extending circumferentially from corresponding ends of the circumferentially-adjacent strut members, and are contoured to provide at least two areas of flexure. The first and second foot portions are joined at a toe portion of the foot extension, and define a circumferentially-directed apex between the pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. Preferably, at least one or more additional annular elements, each defined by interconnected strut members, are provided. The annular elements are generally expandable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. The annular elements are longitudinally aligned and connected at connection locations. Preferably, each connection location includes a foot extension, such as by an overlapping pattern between the longitudinally-adjacent annular elements or by a connector extending therebetween.

1 . An endoprosthesis for delivery in a body lumen comprising:
 a first set of interconnected strut members defining a first annular element, each strut member of the first annular element including a first end and a second end; and   a second set of interconnected strut members defining a second annular element, each strut member of the second annular element including a first end and a second end;   the first annular element and the second annular element aligned longitudinally adjacent to each other along a longitudinal axis and connected to each other at at least one connection location, the first and second annular elements being expandable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration;   at least one of the first and second annular elements including a foot extension extending between at least one pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members, the foot extension including a first foot portion extending circumferentially from the first end of one of the circumferentially-adjacent strut members of the pair and a second foot portion extending circumferentially from the first end of the other of the circumferentially-adjacent strut members, the first and second foot portions joined at a toe portion of the foot extension and wherein the first end of selected circumferentially-adjacent strut members of the first annular element are interconnected to define apices proximate a first longitudinal side of the first annular element and the second end of selected circumferentially-adjacent strut members of the first annular element are interconnected to define apices proximate a second longitudinal side of the first annular element, and further wherein the first end of selected circumferentially-adjacent strut members of the second annular element are interconnected to define apices proximate a first longitudinal side of the second annular element and the second end of selected circumferentially-adjacent strut members of the second annular element are interconnected to define apices proximate a second longitudinal side of the second annular element.   
     
     
         2 . The endoprosthesis of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of apices of the first and second annular elements are defined by foot extensions, each foot extension extending between a pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. 
     
     
         3 . The endoprosthesis of  claim 2 , wherein at least one foot extension extends in a first circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis and at least another foot extension extends in a second circumferential direction opposite the first circumferential direction. 
     
     
         4 . The endoprosthesis of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one connector extending between the first annular element and the second annular element at the connection location, the connector having a first end and a second end. 
     
     
         5 . The endoprosthesis of  claim 4 , wherein the connector includes an L-shaped portion between the first and second ends, the L-shaped portion including a first leg and a second leg angled relative to the first leg. 
     
     
         6 . The endoprosthesis of  claim 5 , wherein the first leg has a length different than a length of the second leg. 
     
     
         7 . The endoprosthesis of  claim 4 , wherein the connector includes a curved portion between the first end and the second end. 
     
     
         8 . The endoprosthesis of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second foot portions includes a curved portion. 
     
     
         9 . The endoprosthesis of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second foot portions defines a base of the foot extension, the base generally facing the other of the at least one of the first and second annular elements. 
     
     
         10 . The endoprosthesis of  claim 9 , wherein the base is defined as a contoured member directed longitudinally toward the other of the at least one of the first and second annular elements. 
     
     
         11 . The endoprosthesis of  claim 10 , wherein the contoured member generally has a V-shape including a first portion and a second portion. 
     
     
         12 . The endoprosthesis of  claim 11 , wherein the first portion of the V-shape has a width different than the second portion. 
     
     
         13 . The endoprosthesis of  claim 10 , wherein the connection location includes a connector extending between the base portion and the other of the at least one of the first and second annular elements. 
     
     
         14 . The endoprosthesis of  claim 1 , wherein the endoprosthesis is a self-expanding stent.