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Medical device with magnetic resonance visibility enhancing structureRelated Patent Categories: Prosthesis (i.e., Artificial Body Members), Parts Thereof, Or Aids And Accessories Therefor, Arterial Prosthesis (i.e., Blood Vessel), Stent Structure, Having Multiple Connected BodiesMedical device with magnetic resonance visibility enhancing structure description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070123975, Medical device with magnetic resonance visibility enhancing structure. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation (and claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 120) of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/359,970, filed Feb. 6, 2003. The disclosure of the prior application is considered part of (and is incorporated by reference in) the disclosure of this application. BACKGROUND [0002] The present invention relates generally to devices for use in vascular treatments. More particularly the present invention relates to devices used in vascular. treatments that incorporate a magnetic resonance visibility enhancing structure, the devices being adapted for use in magnetic resonance imaging. [0003] Vascular stents are known medical devices used in various vascular treatments of patients. Stents commonly include a tubular member that is moveable from a collapsed, low profile, delivery configuration to an expanded, deployed configuration. In the expanded configuration, an outer periphery of the stent frictionally engages an inner periphery of a lumen. The deployed stent then maintains the lumen such that it is substantially unoccluded and flow therethrough is substantially unrestricted. However, various stent designs render the stent substantially invisible during a Magnetic Resonance Imaging procedure. [0004] Magnetic Resonance Imaging, (MRI) is a non-invasive medical procedure that utilizes magnets and radio waves to produce a picture of the inside of a body. An MRI scanner is capable of producing pictures of the inside of a body without exposing the body to ionizing radiation (X-rays). In addition, MRI scans can see through bone and provide detailed pictures of soft body tissues. [0005] A typical MRI scanner includes a magnet that is utilized to create a strong homogeneous magnetic field. A patient is placed into or proximate the magnet. The magnetic field causes a small majority of the atoms with a net magnetic moment, also referred to as spin, to align in the same direction as the magnetic field. When a radiowave is directed at the patient's body, atoms precessing in the magnetic field with a frequency equal to the radiowave are able to adapt the radiowave energy, which causes them to "tumble over" and align in the opposite direction of the magnetic field. The frequency at which atoms with a net spin precess in a magnetic field is also referred to as the Larmor frequency. The opposing alignment is at a higher energy level compared to the original orientation. Therefore, after removing the radiowave, atoms will return to the lower energetic state. As the atoms return to the lower energetic state, a radio signal is sent at the Lamor frequency. These return radio waves create signals (resonance signals) that are detected by the scanner at numerous angles around the patient's body. The signals are sent to a computer that processes the information. and compiles an image or images. Typically, although not necessarily, the images are in the form of 2-dimensional "slice" images. [0006] An ability to effectively view areas proximate a stent during an MRI procedure is desirable. In particular, viewing areas inside and proximate a tubular member of a stent may be desirable both during deployment and after deployment of the stent in a patient. However, various current stent designs prevent adequate imaging of the area surrounding the stent. Instead, the images are distorted and thus cannot be used. SUMMARY [0007] Embodiments of the present invention relate to medical devices that reduce the distortion of medical resonance images taken of the devices. In particular, various structures are utilized to enhance visibility proximate and inside of a tubular member of a stent. In one particular embodiment, the stent does not contain electrically conductive loops. In another embodiment, ring portions in the stent are arranged such that current in one ring portion is opposed by current in another connected ring portion. [0008] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0009] FIG. 1 is a partial block diagram of an illustrative magnetic resonance imaging system. [0010] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a coil in a changing magnetic field. [0011] FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of a stent. [0012] FIG. 3B is a cross-section of the stent illustrated in FIG. 3A. [0013] FIG. 3C is an alternative embodiment of a portion of a cross-section of the stent illustrated in FIG. 3A. [0014] FIG. 4 is a top view of a portion of a stent that has been unfolded. [0015] FIG. 5 is a top view of a stent that has been unfolded. [0016] FIG. 6A is a side perspective view of a stent. [0017] FIG. 6B is a cross-section of a portion of the stent illustrated in FIG. 6A. [0018] FIG. 7 is an illustration of two connected ring portions. [0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a stent having electrically opposed ring portions. [0020] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a stent having electrically opposed rings. Continue reading about Medical device with magnetic resonance visibility enhancing structure... Full patent description for Medical device with magnetic resonance visibility enhancing structure Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Medical device with magnetic resonance visibility enhancing structure patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Medical device with magnetic resonance visibility enhancing structure or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Biodegradable device Next Patent Application: Vascular stent which is specially designed for the multiple drug loading and better drug elution Industry Class: Prosthesis (i.e., artificial body members), parts thereof, or aids and accessories therefor ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Medical device with magnetic resonance visibility enhancing structure patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 3.1348 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Novartis , Pfizer , Philips , Polaroid , Procter & Gamble , 174 |
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