| abstract |
A medical device comprising a catheter and a balloon-expandable stent having a small initial diameter, flexibility along its longitudinal axis prior to expansion, a large expanded diameter, and rigidity after expansion. Local strain on the stent material is minimized, as and after the balloon is inflated. More particularly, the sent has rotation joints having minimal strain during stent expansion. The stent is substantially the same length before and after expansion and, being flexible longitudinally when constrained, is easy to deliver. |