Patent ID: 6589276
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
An expandable stent comprising:(a) at least two substantially rigid segments, (i) each of said substantially rigid segments having a plurality of U or V-shaped regions in both the expanded and unexpanded configuration, the U or V-shaped regions being more open in the expanded configuration than in the unexpanded configuration, (ii) each of said substantially rigid segments presenting a substantially cylindrical structure defining a longitudinal passageway therethrough in both the expanded and unexpanded configurations, the cylindrical structure being shorter in length and wider in diameter in the expanded configuration than in the unexpanded configuration, (b) a flexible connector comprising a plurality of flexible links disposed between and connecting adjacent substantially rigid segments, (i) each of said flexible links connecting a U or V-shaped region of a substantially rigid segment with the nearest U or V-shaped region of the adjacent substantially rigid segment, (ii) each of said flexible links, when viewed laterally, having a first portion, a second portion and at least one area of inflection disposed between the first portion and the second portion, and (iii) none of said flexible links projecting into said longitudinal passageway in the unexpanded configuration.