Patent attributes
The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent, which combines many of the excellent characteristics of both silicone and metal stents while eliminating the undesirable ones. In particular, it is an objective of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide a stent that is easily installed, yet removable. Moreover, the stent does not cause material infections and has the capacity to reduce infection. Therefore, a principal objective of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention is to provide a prosthesis that is suitable for both permanent and temporary use while being easy to insert, reposition and remove. This prosthesis is also suitable for targeted delivery of antimicrobial and chemotherapeutic agents. Additionally, a principal objective in accordance with the present invention is to provide a family of stents where the relative hardness/softness of regions of the stent can differ from other regions of the stent to provide additional patient comfort and resistance to radial forces. An exemplary embodiment also provides a family of stents with novel interstice configurations that facilitate flexibility, durability and/or proper installation.
