| abstract |
The invention is directed to a stent having varying thickness, with the thickness selected based at least in part on the flexing characteristics of the particular portion of the stent. The stent is formed with a pattern having flexing and stable portions, with the flexing portions contributing to stent flexibility during stent positioning and deployment. One or more flexing portions are provided with a nominal thickness, and at least some stable portions are provided with a greater-than-nominal thickness. The resulting stent has excellent flexibility, strength, and radiopacity characteristics. The stent may be formed using various approaches, including using a tubular member, flat sheet, or wire. |