Patent ID: 6796997
Filing Date: 2004-09-28
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
An expandable stent comprising:a proximal end and a distal end in communication with one another; and a tubular wall disposed between the proximal end and the distal end, the tubular wall having a longitudinal axis and a porous surface defined by a plurality of interconnected struts, the interconnected struts defining a plurality of circumferentially disposed rings of a repeating pattern, adjacent circumferentially disposed rings of the repeating pattern comprising a gradient of strut thickness when measured along the outer surface of the tubular wall, the interconnected struts including a plurality of longitudinal struts connected to the plurality of circumferentially disposed rings, the stent having a radial rigidity gradient along the length of the stent with a greater radial rigidity at the proximal end than at the distal end, the stent being expandable from a first, contracted position to a second, expanded position upon the application of a radially outward force on the stent.