Secured strand end devices

Abstract

Methods for securing strand ends of devices configured for insertion into an anatomical structure, and the resulting devices.

1 - 92 . (canceled) 
     
     
         93 . A method of forming a self-expanding stent, comprising:
 forming a first end of the stent by forming a first bend in each of a plurality of strands, each strand including a strand section on both sides of the first bend, each strand including a strand section first end and a strand section second end;   weaving the strand sections;   forming a second end of the stent by forming a second bend in each of the plurality of strands;   inserting the strand section first end into a first opening of a tubular coupling structure and inserting the strand section second end into a second opening of the tubular coupling structure;   mounting the plurality of strands and the tubular coupling structure onto a mandrel to set an internal diameter of the stent; and   applying a first weld bead to the tubular coupling structure to attach the strand section first end and applying a second weld bead to the tubular coupling structure to attach the strand section second end.   
     
     
         94 . The method of  claim 93 , wherein the first weld bead and the second weld bead are not in contact. 
     
     
         95 . The method of  claim 94 , wherein the tubular coupling structure has an inner diameter of 0.0070 inch and the strand section first and second ends have an outer diameter of 0.0060 inch thereby providing a tight fit when the strand section first and second ends are inserted into the tubular coupling structure. 
     
     
         96 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the first weld bead and the second weld bead are formed by laser welding. 
     
     
         97 . The method of  claim 96 , wherein the plurality of strands comprise a superelastic material. 
     
     
         98 . The method of  claim 97 , wherein the tubular coupling structure comprises a superelastic material. 
     
     
         99 . The method of  claim 98 , wherein after laser welding the strand section first end is not in contact with the strand section second end. 
     
     
         100 . The method of  claim 98 , wherein after laser welding the strand section first end is in direct contact with the strand section second end. 
     
     
         101 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the tubular coupling structure has a length of 0.070 inch. 
     
     
         102 . The method of  claim 93 , wherein the tubular coupling structure has an inner diameter in the range from 0.0070 inch to 0.0085 inch and a length in the range from 0.070 inch to 0.150 inch. 
     
     
         103 . A method of forming a self-expanding stent, comprising:
 forming a first end of the stent by forming a first bend in each of six wire strands, each wire stand including a strand section on both sides of the first bend, each strand including a first end and a second end;   forming a second end of the stent by forming a second bend in each of the six wire strands;   inserting the strand section first end into a first opening of a tubular coupling structure and inserting the strand section second end into a second opening of the tubular coupling structure;   mounting the six wire strands and the tubular coupling structure onto a mandrel to set an internal diameter of the stent; and   applying a first weld bead to the tubular coupling structure to attach the strand section first end and applying a second weld bead to the tubular coupling structure to attach the strand section second end.   
     
     
         104 . The method of  claim 103 , wherein the first weld bead and the second weld bead are not in contact. 
     
     
         105 . The method of  claim 104 , wherein the tubular coupling structure has an inner diameter of 0.0070 inch and the strand section first and second ends have an outer diameter of 0.0060 inch thereby providing a tight fit when the strand section first and second ends are inserted in the tubular coupling structure. 
     
     
         106 . The method of  claim 105 , wherein the first weld bead and the second weld bead are formed by laser welding. 
     
     
         107 . The method of  claim 106 , wherein the six wire strands comprise a superelastic material. 
     
     
         108 . The method of  claim 107 , wherein the tubular coupling structure comprises a superelastic material. 
     
     
         109 . The method of  claim 107 , wherein after laser welding the strand section first end is not in contact with the strand section second end. 
     
     
         110 . The method of  claim 107 , wherein after laser welding the strand section first end is in direct contact with the strand section second end. 
     
     
         111 . The method of  claim 105 , wherein the tubular coupling structure has a length of 0.070 inch. 
     
     
         112 . The method of  claim 103 , wherein the tubular coupling structure has an inner diameter in the range from 0.0070 inch to 0.0085 inch and a length in the range from 0.070 inch to 0.150 inch.