| abstract |
An expandable stent is provided. The stent has a ring architecture in which a plurality of connector segments join a plurality of ring structures to form the stent. The ring structures are an endless pattern of unit structures, each of which has two lateral arms and a central portion, and is inverted with respect to the immediately adjacent unit structures of the same ring structure. The connector segments have an undulating portion and can be axially displaced relative to other, circumferentially adjacent connector segments when the stent is in an unexpanded configuration. The stent can include axial portions in which connector segments are axially displaced from circumferentially adjacent connector segments, and can include other axial portions in which connector segments are axially aligned with circumferentially adjacent connector segments. A delivery system that includes a stent accordingly to the present invention is also provided. |