| abstract |
A stent for implantation into a blood vessel of a patient to maintain the patency of the blood vessel is disclosed. The stent comprises a series of rings (12.1) each composed of bars (16.1, 18.1) arranged zig-zag fashion and joined at their ends by hairpin bends (20.1). The rings are joined by longitudinals. The configuration of the bars and hairpin bends is such that, in the circumferential direction, dimension W3 is less than W2, and dimension W2 is less than W1, which latter dimension is measured in the axial direction. From the larger dimension portion at W2 to the smaller dimension portion at W3, each bar (16.1, 18.1) tapers smoothly without steps or other discontinuities. Recesses or holes (22, 24) can be provided in which drugs can be placed for release into the patient's blood stream. |