EXPANDABLE SLEEVED STENT AND METHOD OF MAKING SUCH STENT

An expandable sleeved stent comprises a stent and a sleeve. The stent comprises a tubular body with: first and second axial ends; a latticed peripheral wall; and at least two arms that, upon radial expansion of the tubular body from a crimped condition to an expanded condition, protrude radially from the latticed peripheral wall, the free end of each arm being radially displaceable relative to the adjacent latticed peripheral wall. The sleeve: (a) extends from the first axial end of the tubular body and circumferentially covers at least a portion of the radial outer surface of the latticed peripheral wall between the free ends of the arms and the first axial end of the tubular body; (b) bridges the spaces between the portions of the latticed peripheral wall adjacent the arms; and the free ends of the arms; and (c) is secured to either: (i) the arms; or (ii) the tubular body in the vicinity between the free ends of the arms and the second axial end of the tubular body. Upon radial expansion of the tubular body towards the expanded condition and consequent protrusion of the arms radially from the latticed peripheral wall, the portions of the sleeve that bridge the latticed peripheral wall and the arms flare radially outwards.