| abstract |
The invention is directed to an expandable self-expanding stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as an artery. The stent is made with a plurality of cylindrical elements which are interconnected by a plurality of interconnecting members which connect adjacent cylindrical elements, some of the interconnecting members have one or more bending points formed therein for promoting the bendability of the interconnecting member. The bending point can be formed by reducing the strut wall thickness of the interconnecting member to promote the bending of the strut or it can be formed by reducing the strut width of the interconnecting member, or a combination of both. The bending points on the interconnecting member enhances the bendability and flexibility of the composite stent device by creating mechanical hinges which help to bend the stent as it is delivered through the tortuous anatomy of the patient or conforms to a curved portion of a body vessel, where the stent may be implanted. |