| abstract |
Stents are provided having a circumferential element with first and second ends, a longitudinal axis, and arcuate struts disposed intermediate the ends. End portions of adjacent arcuate struts are joined by strut connections formed at the first and second ends. The struts are spaced arcuately relative to a plane that includes the longitudinal axis, such that they arc convexly or concavely relative to the plane. Another stent has a tubular main body with a longitudinal axis, first and second ends defining a lumen in communication with openings at the first and second ends, and circumferential elements disposed along the tubular main body longitudinal axis, whereby one or more link members join two or more of the circumferential elements. Methods of using a stent having a circumferential element having arcuate struts connected by strut connections are also provided. |