Patent ID: 6203569
Filing Date: 2001-03-20
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A stent comprising:a plurality of rings arranged in general alignment to define a cylindrical shape, each ring comprises a singular elongated wire member having discrete reversing bends which do not intersect with other reversing bends and at least two cross-sectional areas identified by at least one cross-sectional change location, said wire member forming an undulating pattern;at least one crosstie connecting adjacent rings said crosstie disposed in general alignment with a longitudinal axis defined by said rings, said crosstie having at least one bend formed therein;the cross-sectional area of said wire member changes adjacent at least one of said reversing bends;said wire member which comprises each said rings, when expanded radially outwardly, bends at said cross-sectional change location adjacent said reversing bends; andsaid reversing bends remain generally aligned to said cylindrical shape defined by said rings after radial expansion due to bending at said cross-sectional change locations.