| abstract |
Disclosed is a pressure sensitive prosthesis ( 10 ) that includes a tubular member ( 11 ) having a passageway ( 12 ) extending therethrough and a sleeve ( 13 ) attached about one end of the tubular member. The sleeve functions as a one-way valve to permit fluid flowing through the sleeve lumen ( 15 ) in a first direction ( 17 ) and under a first pressure, while collapsing in response to fluid flowing in a second direction 18 where the pressure that exceeds that of the first direction or pressure. One aspect of the invention includes an esophageal anti-reflux expandable prosthesis wherein the sleeve is adapted to invert back through the tubular stent frame to permit belching or vomiting (fluid or materials under a third, significantly higher pressure). Another aspect of the invention includes a tubular drainage stent ( 60 ), such as a biliary or urethral stent in which the sleeve opens to permit passage of fluids, then collapses to prevent retrograde flow. |