| abstract |
A bifurcated stent includes a trunk portion and first and second branches. At least one of the branches includes a longitudinally extendable portion such that the branch can be extended from a first length up to second length. The longitudinally extendable portion may be formed of a plurality of cylindrical rings coupled to each other by a curved link, wherein pulling the branch straightens the curved link, thereby lengthening the branch. The longitudinally extendable portion may be formed by winding a portion of a continuous wire of the branch at a first pitch whereas the remainder of the branch is wound at a second pitch greater than the first pitch. Thus, when the branch is pulled, the pitch of the longitudinally extendable portion increases, thereby lengthening the branch. A method of deploying a stent with a longitudinally extendable portion is also disclosed. |