Patent ID: 6187034
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A flexible radially expandable stent for implantation into a body lumen, the stent comprising in combination:at least three circumferential elements, each said circumferential element having a wave-like series of bends therein as each said circumferential element circumscribes a central axis of said stent, each said bend including a trough and a crest, said trough defining a portion of said circumferential element where said circumferential element is more distant from adjacent said circumferential elements than other portions of said circumferential element, said crest defining a portion of said circumferential element where said circumferential element is closer to adjacent circumferential elements than other portions of said circumferential element;at least two gaps, each of said at least two gaps located between a different adjacent pair of said at least three circumferential elements;at least one of said gaps being a spanned gap spanned by an axial element, said axial element having ends attached to said circumferential elements adjacent said spanned gap;at least one of said gaps being an unspanned gap, such that said circumferential elements adjacent said unspanned gap are not connected together;wherein an axial width of said unspanned gap remains substantially constant during and after implantation of said stent;wherein said spanned gaps are axially narrower than said unspanned gaps before radial expansion of said stent;wherein a pair of said circumferential elements located adjacent said spanned gap form one segment, said stent including at least two segments, said stent including an unspanned gap between said at least two segments; andwherein said spanned gaps alternate with said unspanned gaps between pairs of adjacent said circumferential elements throughout said stent.