Appeal 2007-0850
Application 10/733,292
12. A prosthesis for placement in a lumen of the first
vessel that intersects with a second vessel, the prosthesis
comprising:
a first end,
a second end, and
wherein at least one of the first and second ends is
provided with a wire structure which has a plurality of apices
extending beyond at least a portion of the corresponding end
such that the plurality of apices extend across a lumen of the
second vessel without occluding the lumen of the second
vessel.
20. A prosthesis for placement in a lumen of the first
vessel that intersects with a second vessel, the prosthesis
comprising:
a first end adapted for placement adjacent to a junction
between the first vessel and the second vessel, and
a second end,
wherein the first end is reinforced with a wire member
which has a plurality of apices extending beyond at least a
portion of the first end and across the junction between the first
vessel and the second vessel such that the prosthesis does not
occlude a lumen of the second vessel.
Thus, claims 12 and 20 are directed to prostheses capable of being
placed in a first vessel that intersects with a second vessel. At least one end
of the device has a wire structure that includes a plurality of apices
extending from the end of the device such that the apices extend across the
lumen of the second vessel without occluding it.
By reciting that the wire apices extend across the intersecting vessel’s
lumen, claims 12 and 20 recite the manner in which the device is to be used.
It is well established that “[a]n intended use or purpose usually will not limit
the scope of the claim because such statements usually do no more than
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