| abstract |
A flexible stent with excellent trackability and expandability comprises a plurality of radially expandable annular members 1 arranged in an axial direction thereof, and connecting elements 2 for connecting adjoining two annular members 1, adjoining annular members 1, 1 being connected by one or more of the connecting elements 2. The annular members 1 are radially expandable and each annular member 1 comprises two waved elements 11, 12 that repeatedly meander in parallel with or substantially parallel with each other and are coupled by coupling elements 13 at intermediate portions between wave crests and wave troughs of the waved elements 11, 12. The stent is excellent in trackability, which in turn makes it possible to pass through three-dimensionally meandering lumens. The stent is excellent in radial strength, substantially free from shortening and easy to provide a lateral hole. |