US 6,981,982 B2
Method of producing low profile stent and graft combination
Joseph R. Armstrong, Flagstaff, Ariz. (US); Edward H. Cully, Flagstaff, Ariz. (US); Mark J. Ulm, Flagstaff, Ariz. (US); and Michael J. Vonesh, Flagstaff, Ariz. (US)
Assigned to Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc., Newark, Del. (US)
Filed on Feb. 25, 2002, as Appl. No. 10/83,451.
Application 10/083451 is a division of application No. 09/235458, filed on Jan. 22, 1999, abandoned.
Prior Publication US 2002/0138129 A1, Sep. 26, 2002
Int. Cl. A61M 29/00 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 606—198 11 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of compacting an endoprosthesis into a compacted dimension comprising
providing a self-expanding endoprosthesis comprising a stent-element;
providing at least one internally tapered die proportioned to compact the endoprosthesis, the tapered die including multiple raised flutes and grooves therein to define a tapered surface;
passing the endoprosthesis through the tapered die to reduce its dimensions, the raised flutes and grooves causing the endoprosthesis to fold into uniform pleats in its compacted dimension.