Patent ID: 8771338

Claim:
An implantable frame defining a lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal end along a longitudinal axis, the implantable frame moveable between a compressed state and an expanded state and comprising: a proximal hoop member; a distal hoop member; one or more additional hoop members positioned between the proximal and distal hoop members along said longitudinal axis; each hoop member comprising a plurality of interconnected struts and bends arranged in an undulating shape; wherein each hoop member of the one or more additional hoop members is connected to a longitudinally adjacent hoop member by an array of longitudinal connecting members arranged in pairs of closely-spaced longitudinal connecting members; wherein a first pair of closely-spaced longitudinal connecting members extends from a first bend of a first hoop member toward a first bend of a second hoop member; and wherein a second pair of closely-spaced longitudinal connecting members extends from the first bend of the second hoop member toward a first bend of a third hoop member.