Abstract: A stent for insertion in a fluid conduit of a human or animal body includes a hollow structure having generally circumferentially extending parts which have opposite end portions in the longitudinal direction. The circumferential parts are joined to a longitudinally adjacent circumferential parts along the length of the hollow structure wherein the end portions of adjacent circumferential parts are not in parallel planes and/or the end portions of the same part are not in parallel planes. Also, the non-parallel end portions are arranged along the length of the hollow structure such that a flow lumen defined by the hollow structure, and imposed on the flow lumen by the hollow structure when in the fluid conduit, follows a non-planar curve.

Abstract: An expandable balloon for insertion in a fluid conduit of a human or animal body is movable between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The balloon has, when in the expanded condition, a center line which follows a substantially helical path. The balloon can be combined with a stent such that the stent is expandable by the balloon from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition.

Abstract: A stent for insertion in a fluid conduit of a human or animal body includes a hollow structure having generally circumferentially extending parts which have opposite end portions in the longitudinal direction. The circumferential parts are joined to a longitudinally adjacent circumferential parts along the length of the hollow structure wherein the end portions of adjacent circumferential parts are not in parallel planes and/or the end portions of the same part are not in parallel planes. Also, the non-parallel end portions are arranged along the length of the hollow structure such that a flow lumen defined by the hollow structure, and imposed on the flow lumen by the hollow structure when in the fluid conduit, follows a non-planar curve.

Abstract: A stent for insertion in a fluid conduit of a human or animal body includes a hollow structure having generally circumferentially extending parts which have opposite end portions in the longitudinal direction. The circumferential parts are joined to a longitudinally adjacent circumferential parts along the length of the hollow structure wherein the end portions of adjacent circumferential parts are not in parallel planes and/or the end portions of the same part are not in parallel planes. Also, the non-parallel end portions are arranged along the length of the hollow structure such that a flow lumen defined by the hollow structure, and imposed on the flow lumen by the hollow structure when in the fluid conduit, follows a non-planar curve.

Abstract: A stent for insertion in a fluid conduit of a human or animal body when the stent is in a collapsed condition and for expansion to an expanded condition, includes an outer wall for engagement with the conduit. The outer wall has a helical portion which in the expanded condition extends longitudinally and circumferentially, and which, upon expansion of the stent from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition, resists extension.

Abstract: An expandable balloon for insertion in a fluid conduit of a human or animal body is movable between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The balloon has, when in the expanded condition, a center line which follows a substantially helical path. The balloon can be combined with a stent such that the stent is expandable by the balloon from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition.

Abstract: A stent for insertion in a fluid conduit of a human or animal body includes a hollow structure having generally circumferentially extending parts which have opposite end portions in the longitudinal direction. The circumferential parts are joined to a longitudinally adjacent circumferential parts along the length of the hollow structure wherein the end portions of adjacent circumferential parts are not in parallel planes and/or the end portions of the same part are not in parallel planes. Also, the non-parallel end portions are arranged along the length of the hollow structure such that a flow lumen defined by the hollow structure, and imposed on the flow lumen by the hollow structure when in the fluid conduit, follows a non-planar curve.