Importance

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Abstract

An intraluminal medical device having axially adjacent segments connected by at least one strain concentrating bridge. The axially adjacent segments remain connected during delivery to an intended treatment site. After delivery, at least one of the at least one strain concentrating bridge may yield to separate at least two of the axially adjacent segments, if subjected to sufficient dynamic loading in the area within which the device is emplaced. The intraluminal device is ideally comprised of biocompatible metal materials and the at least one bridge is also comprised of such biocompatible metal materials, wherein the at least one strain concentrating bridge has a threshold level of strain less than that of the axially adjacent segments. Changing materials or changing dimensions of the at least one strain concentrating bridge can alter the threshold level of strain of the at least one bridge. Ideally the at least one strain concentrating bridge yields to disconnect the axially adjacent segments when subjected to prescribed loading conditions. The strain concentrating bridge may include a notched strain riser, a thinned portion, or a slotted portion that receives protrusions.

First Claim