| abstract |
Generally, the present invention includes a segmented endoprosthesis for delivery into a lumen of a body. The endoprostheses can be configured to include a plurality of longitudinally-adjacent annular elements joined together with a shock-absorbing inter-connector such that adjacent annular elements can move independently from each other. Also, the segmented endoprosthesis can be comprised of a plurality of sub-endoprostheses that are connected or in contact with each other during delivery, and separate from each other after being deployed. The segmented endoprosthesis can provide improved deliverability, strength, flexibility, and/or functionality during and after deployment. The use of a segmented endoprosthesis can combine the characteristics of multiple small endoprostheses into a standard- or regular-sized endoprosthesis. |