| abstract |
A method of manufacturing an endovascular support device comprises providing a generally tubular member of an implantable material having a first, generally cylindrical outer surface and a second, generally cylindrical inner surface. At least a portion of the outer and inner surfaces of the tubular member are shaped in such a way to form a plurality of generally circular edgeless ring regions. Adjacent ring regions are connected together by one of a plurality of connecting regions. Openings are produced in the connecting regions in accordance with a predetermined pattern, and the generally tubular member is longitudinally expanded to form the support device. |