A braided stent system, the system comprising: a stent body having a lumen formed by a plurality of braided members with interstices formed therebetween; and a first expansion ring connected to the stent body, the first expansion ring comprising a frame defined by a plurality of interconnected support assemblies selectively positioned to impart an outwardly expanding radial force to the stent body, each support assembly comprising: a plurality of legs joined at a first intersection and connected to one of the other interconnected support assemblies at a second intersection opposite the first intersection; and a claw portion mechanically connected to one or more of the interstices of the stent body, wherein the claw portion mechanically connects the expansion ring to inner and outer portions of the stent body by extending away from the first intersection, characterised in that the claw portion is interlaced through at least two of the interstices, and is terminated at a locking mechanism opposite the intersections, wherein the claw portion comprises a plurality of aligned elongate members extended between the first intersection and the locking mechanism to form a void through which the plurality of interstices pass. a stent body having a lumen formed by a plurality of braided members with interstices formed therebetween; and a first expansion ring connected to the stent body, the first expansion ring comprising a frame defined by a plurality of interconnected support assemblies selectively positioned to impart an outwardly expanding radial force to the stent body, each support assembly comprising: a plurality of legs joined at a first intersection and connected to one of the other interconnected support assemblies at a second intersection opposite the first intersection; and a claw portion mechanically connected to one or more of the interstices of the stent body, wherein the claw portion mechanically connects the expansion ring to inner and outer portions of the stent body by extending away from the first intersection, characterised in that the claw portion is interlaced through at least two of the interstices, and is terminated at a locking mechanism opposite the intersections, wherein the claw portion comprises a plurality of aligned elongate members extended between the first intersection and the locking mechanism to form a void through which the plurality of interstices pass. a plurality of legs joined at a first intersection and connected to one of the other interconnected support assemblies at a second intersection opposite the first intersection; and a claw portion mechanically connected to one or more of the interstices of the stent body, wherein the claw portion mechanically connects the expansion ring to inner and outer portions of the stent body by extending away from the first intersection, characterised in that the claw portion is interlaced through at least two of the interstices, and is terminated at a locking mechanism opposite the intersections, wherein the claw portion comprises a plurality of aligned elongate members extended between the first intersection and the locking mechanism to form a void through which the plurality of interstices pass. <EOS>