| abstract |
A barbed medical prosthesis is disclosed in which the barb includes a basal portion comprising a point of union with the substrate of origin (such as a strut), an anchoring portion adapted to embed into tissue, and a stress-dispersing portion located between the basal and anchoring portions. In one embodiment the stress-dispersing portion comprises a helical coil having a free winding that is unattached to the strut from which the barb extends. In another embodiment, the stress-dispersing portion comprises a series of bends or curves formed in the barb proximate to the point of union with the strut. The barb can be mechanically attached and/or soldered to the prosthesis, or integrally formed therefrom. A second barb portion and stress-dispersing portion, may also extend from the basal portion. |