Patent ID: 6945993
Filing Date: 2005-09-20
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A stent comprising a plurality of serpentine segments which form closed paths, the serpentine segments having alternating peaks and troughs, serpentine segments which are adjacent one another connected by a plurality of connectors, each connector having a first end which extends from a first position offset from midway between a peak and a trough on one serpentine segment the first position being closer to midway between the peak and the trough than to the peak, a second end which extends from a second position offset from midway between a peak and a trough on an adjacent serpentine segment, the second position being closer to midway between the peak and the trough than to the trough, and a central region between the first and second ends, at least a portion of each central region comprising a first U-shaped link and a second U-shaped link, each first U-shaped link opening in a first substantially circumferential direction and each second U-shaped link opening in a second substantially circumferential direction substantially opposite the first substantially circumferential direction, at least a portion of the first U-shaped link and at least a portion of the second U-shaped link having a shared portion, the shared portion disposed between one of the peaks on one segment and one of the troughs on an adjacent segment.