| abstract |
The stent described herein is configured with expandable rings at either end of the stent having increased radial strength compared to the expandable middle rings. This difference between the configuration of the stent at the middle and ends of the stent results in more even expansion properties of the stent, better crimping properties of the stent, and uniform diameter post deployment. The expandable rings are formed by a plurality of struts and a plurality of ductile hinges arranged such that upon expansion, the ductile hinges are deformed while the struts are not deformed. |