Stent having variable properties and method of its use
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Abstract
A stent and method of its use, the stent in its expanded configuration, exhibiting varying outward radial force along its length. In use, the expanded stent is of a tapered configuration which provides greater force in vessel regions requiring greater force and less force in regions requiring less. In particular the stent is useful in the ostium regions and at areas of bifurcation in vessels. Varying force over the length of the stent is achieved by varying the number of elements, the density of elements, the thickness of the elements making up the stent body, and maintaining a substantially metal to artery ratio in the expanded stent over its length.
117 Citations
37 Claims
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1-17. -17. (canceled)
- 18. A stent comprising a plurality of serpentine bands, adjacent serpentine bands being connected by a plurality of connections, the stent having a first end region, a second end region and a middle region disposed therebetween, each region comprising a plurality of serpentine bands, wherein the minimum number of connections between any two adjacent serpentine bands of the middle region is greater than the maximum number of connections between any two adjacent serpentine bands of the first end region.
- 30. A stent comprising a plurality of serpentine bands, each serpentine band comprising a plurality of proximal peaks and distal valleys connected by struts, serpentine bands which are adjacent to another connected one to the other via a plurality of connections, each connection connecting between a distal valley of one serpentine band and a proximal peak of an adjacent serpentine band, the stent having a first end region, a second end region and a middle region disposed therebetween, wherein the number of connections between adjacent serpentine bands increases from the first end region to the middle region.
Specification